The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka (MCSL) today expressed deep concern regarding the media furor over the proposed United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution on Sri Lanka in Geneva next month.

“In view of the Sri Lankan Government’s stated commitment to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) which has been accepted by Sri Lankans and the International community, it is unclear how the proposed resolution will productively bring about the much needed changes in our country,” the MCSL said in a statement today.

It may in fact be “counterproductive” as it is currently “deflecting attention away” from reconciliation and reconstruction work on the ground, it said.

The MCSL stated that it hopes that a process would be fast tracked to assist and encourage Sri Lanka to find its own mechanisms to address the concerns of all stakeholders affected by the three-decade-old conflict.

“In this connection, The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka appeals to the members of the International Community supporting the Resolution to initiate a dialogue with the Government of Sri Lanka on a mutually agreeable timeframe to strengthen and implement a lasting reconciliation process as recommended by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.”

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka offered its wholehearted support to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government of Sri Lanka to initiate a consultation process with the International Community to reach consensus on a time frame for complete implementation of the recommendations of the LLRC.

“The MCSL also welcomes the President’s proposal to initiate a Truth and Reconciliation Commission as per the South African model to address the grievances of all persons and communities affected by the long drawn ethnic conflict.”

“One of the main challenges the country faces today during a difficult transition from war to peace that is still barely five years old is the erosion of tolerance of minority communities by certain extremist groups with vested interests. This is a key factor undermining the efforts of the Government to move towards a united Sri Lanka,” the statement said.

The MCSL pledged to support all efforts by the President to reign‐in such elements and establish the rule of law for a truly egalitarian Sri Lanka.

The Muslim Council also said it is confident that Sri Lanka’s commitment for the full implementation of the LLRC recommendations as well as the outcome of a Truth and Reconciliation commission will steer the country to lasting peace and stability