ONUR says all must unite to overcome challenges against peace, reconciliation

Saturday, 9 June 2018 00:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) Director General M. S. Jayasinghe addressed the International Steering Committee of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflicts at a forum held in Colombo on Wednesday (6 June).

While addressing the forum, he said: “Reconciliation is also a spiritual philosophy, and in a society where spiritual values are not considered, it is even more challenging to achieve the targets set in this regard. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to commit themselves to fulfil their duty towards achieving this target. So, all must unite to overcome the challenges against peace and reconciliation.”

While explaining the duties of ONUR, he pointed out that ONUR was set up with a mandate to achieve national unity and reconciliation as it was a key commitment of the 2015 Presidential campaign. The Government established this organisation to give effect to this commitment.

“ONUR is responsible for formulating and coordinating the implementation of the policies and programs to build national unity and reconciliation. ONUR’s principle role is to ensure a long-lasting peace through non-recurrence of the factors which lead to armed conflict. We all have a role to play in ensuring the prevention of armed conflict at all levels. It is not something the Government can do alone.” he added.

He stated further: “We in Sri Lanka are still looking for answers. Even after long years of conflict, where everyone in our country, irrespective of race, religion, and language, has suffered, and we, as a nation, have all suffered collectively. But, unfortunately, some in our country still refuse to look at what unites us as human beings and to work together for our common good.” In conclusion, it was highlighted that ONUR has been working according to a roadmap on National Unity, and a multi-pronged approach to achieving national unity is important in the Sri Lankan context. In this regard, the process of building National Unity and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka is connected to many aspects affecting the lives of people, whether they are from the North, South, East or West of the country.