TOP DISCUSSIONS HELD ON RECONCILIATION

MinistryofForeign Affairs (MFA) said high level officials were engaging in internal consultations over establishing a transparent and inclusive process to develop credible mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation – a move that has been urged by the UNHRC and t he international community, MFA Spokesperson Mahishini Colonne said at the weekly media briefing held yesterday.

She also reflected upon UNHRC High Commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein’s comments on Sri Lanka in his speech at the inaugural ceremony of the Council’s 29th session.

Colonne noted that Hussein’s comments on Sri Lanka ‘had been noted’ and that authorities continued to engage in internal consultations on the

He also noted that they would remain engaged in discussions with authorities on the need for transparent and inclusive processes ...

matters and added they had highlighted the need to consult all stakeholders on the issues that needed to be addressed.

During his address at the inaugural session of the 29th UNHRC regular sessions that commenced on June 15, High Commissioner Zeid in reference to Sri Lanka praised the passage of the 19th Amendment as he noted that if implemented appropriately, would bring ‘renewed hope for democracy and the rule of law. . .’

He also noted that they would remain engaged in discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities on the need for transparent and inclusive processes to develop credible mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation ahead of his report to the September session.

He also encouraged the Government to consult broadly with all political parties, civil society as well as with the victims and their families to ensure full national support to the accountability and reconciliation processes that would be brought into place.