Sri Lanka set to announce reconciliation plans

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera would make a statement in Geneva on Monday, the inaugural day of the the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)’s three-week-long session.

The statement is expected to throw light on how the Sri Lankan government will proceed further on the issues of accountability and reconciliation. On September 30, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Investigation on Sri Lanka will present a report on alleged violations of human rights during the Eelam War.

After making his statement, Mr. Samaraweera will leave for New Delhi to join Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who will be making his first overseas trip after assuming charge for the fourth time a few weeks ago, according to an official.

Asked whether the UN has handed over the probe report to the Sri Lankan government as reported by some media, Deputy Foreign Minister Harsha de Silva said: ‘We would not like to comment on the matter’.  

ITAK team

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) has also deputed a team of lawyers to Geneva.

ITAK president Mavai S. Senathirajah said that his party colleague M.A. Sumanthiran was also likely to join the team later. 

In the meantime, sections of the Tamil press carried reports that Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran, whose role during the parliamentary polls came in for criticism, was expected to meet the Tamil National Alliance leader, R. Sampanthan and explain his position. 
(Courtesy – The Hindu)