COLOMBO : Muslim Youths haved urged the government to kook after the interests of the four Sri Lankan suspects in Indian custody as required under the Vienna Convention.
Government has assured a Muslim Youth delegation that measures as required under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, will be taken to protect the interests of the four suspects detained in
Gujarat allegedly having ISIS connections.
On Friday a four member delegation led by Sham Nawaz President of the All Ceylon Union of Muslim League Youth Fronts (ACUMLYF) met State Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Taraka Balasooriya and raised
concerns of conflicting allegations in the media surrounding the arrest and the need for the Consulate in Mumbai to have prompt access to the suspects, without prejudice to the ongoing investigations.
Under the Vienna Convention, Sri Lanka is obliged to protect the interests of not only the State but also
its nationals and also to help and assist its nationals overseas, whether in prison, custody or detention. Sri
Lankan Consulate officials have a right of access and to converse and to arrange for the suspects’ legal representation, it was pointed out.
The delegation also pointed out on the need for the Sri Lankan authorities to do an independent
investigation as doubts on the credibility of the allegations have been expressed by many in the social
media. Concerns have been expressed that continuous unsubstantiated allegations of ISIS presence in Sri
Lanka is also affecting foreign investments, tourism and the economy which is struggling to revive.
The State Minister assured the delegation to follow up on the matters raised and assured that all consular
matters will be duly followed up. Senior officials of the Ministry were associated with the Minister at the
meeting. (End)
