Govt. to deal with human rights, reconciliation in open and transparent manner

Saturday, 17 July 2021 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka will deal with human rights and reconciliation matters in an open and transparent manner, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has told a meeting with civil and non-governmental organisations.

Gunawardena has stated that the Government would deal with openness and transparency regarding the issues of human rights and reconciliation among ethnicities that have arisen in the international front. Justice Minister Ali Sabry also participated in this meeting held on 13 July at the Foreign Ministry.

“Various misconceptions are being circulated in the international arena regarding the Prevention of Terrorism Act. In fact, we as a government have appointed a Cabinet Sub-Committee to look into and amend certain provisions of this Act. Also, a committee of officials has been appointed to assist them. We are doing all this openly and transparently. The same is true for reconciliation as well.

Our Government has taken steps to maintain inter-ethnic reconciliation and equality. As a government, we are bound to look into any shortcomings in them, and take necessary steps,” Minister Gunawardena explained.

State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya and Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage also participated in this discussion.

Civil society activists who participated in the discussion included Ven. Kalupahana Piayarathana, Dr. Saravanamuttu of the Centre for Policy Alternatives, Rohana Hettiarachchi of PAFFREL, Bishop Asiri Perera of the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka, Dr. Joe William and Dr. Jehan Perera of the National Peace Council, Dr. Hilmi Ahmed of the Sri Lanka Muslim Council, and Dr. Dayani Panagoda, a civil society activist.

Many issues related to the human rights situation and the reconciliation program of Sri Lanka were discussed openly and at length. Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were also present at the discussion.