Commonwealth to support domestic measures to address accountability and reconciliation

Wednesday, 4 February 2015 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Commonwealth said it was pleased with the measures the new government of Sri Lanka is considering to address the accountability and reconciliation needs and extended support for the vital domestic processes. The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Kamalesh Sharma, who concluded a four-day visit to the island Tuesday, welcomed the new government’s intent to establish a credible domestic investigation mechanism that respects international humanitarian law and assured the practical Commonwealth support and expertise to implement the necessary measures including fuller implementation of the recommendations of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). “We are particularly pleased, in this context, that memorialisation will be part of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day observance on 4 February,” he said referring to the government’s peace and reconciliation statement to be delivered at the occasion. The Secretary General said the his first visit to the country after the regime change was primarily to reiterate and renew the Commonwealth’s commitment to work in partnership with Sri Lanka to advance its own national plans. He expressed satisfaction that the Commonwealth played a part in facilitating a successful electoral process which has been highly valued. Sharma has noted the positive steps taken by the Government since 9 January and the further measures contemplated. These include a commitment to fundamental governance reforms and strengthening the independence of national institutions; the appointment of civilian governors in the Northern Province and Eastern Province amongst other changes in the provincial administrations; and, the appointment of the new Chief Justice. “We have successfully identified areas where the Commonwealth will provide practical assistance as the country turns a new and transformative page in its history,” Sharma said. During his visit the Commonwealth head met with President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He also met with, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Public Administration Karu Jayasuriya, and Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayaka, Provincial Governors and Chief Ministers.

Maithri says will strengthen ties with Commonwealth

Secretary -General of the Commonwealth Kamalesh Sharma on Monday commended the 100-day program of the new Government of Sri Lanka when he called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. Sharma, who is on a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka, called on President Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat. Secretary General Sharma said he is pleased to know that a number of issues that the Commonwealth expected Sri Lanka to address have been included in the program. The government’s 100-day program plans to implement a number of proposals made by the Commonwealth including the establishment of independent commissions, ensuring media freedom as well as the presentation of the Right to Information Act and introduction of a code of ethics for Parliamentarians. Speaking at the occasion the President said Sri Lanka, as a founding member of the organisation, is looking forward to further strengthening the relations with the Commonwealth. While pointing out that establishing diplomatic relations with various countries is important for the country’s future, President Sirisena emphasised that the support extended by the Commonwealth will help the future immensely. He said that Sri Lanka expects the cooperation of the Commonwealth to create a better image of the country among the international community. The Commonwealth Secretary-General also called on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to reiterate the Commonwealth’s commitment to work in partnership with Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister apprised the Commonwealth Secretary-General of the measures that have been taken by the Government to establish independent commissions and other obligations as the Commonwealth’s Chair-in-Office. Sharma, who concluded his visit on Monday, met with Minister Karu Jayasuriya as well as Governors and Chief Ministers of provinces.