The chief minister of the northern province, C V Wigneswaran highlighted the need for justice for the Tamil people, as he addressed a public event where the former president, Chandrika Kumaratunga was present.
"Without compensation for all the injustice meted out to the Tamils in the past, including war crimes, whatever benefits that are provided to us will not satisfy us," Mr Wigneswaran told the gathering on August 12.
Stressing that international prosecutors must be included in any investigation into mass atrocities, he added, "Without ensuring an honest investigation into war crimes, providing economic benefits to our people is only an attempt to buy their support."
"It will not end in true reconciliation."
Criticising proposed plans for peace and reconciliation, Mr Wigneswaran pointed out that current proposals did not inlcude the investigation into war crimes and justice for the victims.