International   

Sri Lanka to drop ethnic origin reference

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has decided to exclude references like nationality, ethnic origin, religion and language in all future registration of households by the police.

The decision follows a directive by the Human Rights Ministry on representations by civil society groups which had raised objections against some of the details sought by the police.

A statement by the Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry said here on Wednesday that henceforth, the only information required to be furnished will be confined to the chief occupant’s name, identity number and address, names and ages of family members together with their identity numbers and relationship to the chief occupant.

The new directive is an attempt to ensure that there would be a uniform system of registration throughout the country.

Separately, the Government announced that a committee has been appointed to inquire into allegations of abduction and recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

“The Government firmly believes that the conclusions of this committee obtained through an independent and credible investigation would clarify the issues and allegations made against security forces in connection with the abduction and recruitment of children by the Karuna faction. The committee will comprise 9 senior officials.”

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

A tribute to all who fought apartheid: Mandela
Sri Lanka to drop ethnic origin reference
“Musharraf’s uniform no longer an issue”
Concern over journalist’s safety
Bush threatens confrontation
Sticky outfit in the making
Four charges against India-born surgeon dropped

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu