I was the one who collected weapons supplied to LTTE by R. Premadasa – Karuna Amman

Leader of the Tamil United Freedom Front (TUFF) Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman, whose startling comment on the killing of Army soldiers sparked controversy, has made yet another revelation.

Joining ‘Mokada Wune’ programme on TV Derana, he said, late President Ranasinghe Premadasa, during his administration, had supplied weapons and funds to the LTTE and that he was the one who collected the supply.

Karuna Amman also noted that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa is attempting to create a false image of him in the minds of Sinhalese people.

The former LTTE commander-turned-politician added that he never intended to underestimate the Sri Lanka Army in his statement.

The Police on Monday (22) launched immediate investigations into the controversial statements made by Karuna Amman at a meeting in Navadinveli on June 19, glorifying the killing of Sri Lankan soldiers during his time as an LTTE militant.

He has said: “When I was a member of the LTTE, I killed some 2000 to 3000 Sri Lankan army personnel in one night at Elephant Pass. I have killed more in Killinochchi. That is certainly higher than the number of lives the coronavirus has claimed in Sri Lanka.”

Karuna Amman recorded a 7-hour long statement with the Criminal Investigation Department on Thursday (25).

In the meantime, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), in a tweet concerning the controversial statement, said Karuna Amman should also be investigated for wholesale recruitment of child soldiers, a crime under international law.

The UN rights body also stressed that accountability should apply to everyone in Sri Lanka.

🇱🇰 #SriLanka: We note that #Karuna, former LTTE commander & Government minister, is being questioned for alleged past crimes. He should also be investigated for wholesale recruitment of child soldiers, a crime under int'l law. Accountability should apply to everyone in Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/Vs7gOHyC0f

— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) June 25, 2020