LLRC completes work; to handover report to President on 20 Nov.

The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) concluding its work yesterday pointed out that the success of its work will depend on the extent to which its recommendations are implemented, especially in the context of the tardy track record of successive Governments in that regard.

In a statement released yesterday LLRC announced it has concluded work officially and the final report of the LLRC will be handed over to President Mahinda Rajapakse on November 20.

In its statement the LLRC pointed out that the Commission’s recommendations focus on a broad range of issues vital for building post conflict reconciliation, stability and socio economic development. The statement said that LLRC is confident that its recommendations would constitute a framework for action by all stakeholders, including the Government, political parties, and all communities.

“This framework would go a long way towards constructing a platform for consolidating post conflict peace and security as well as amity and cooperation within and between the diverse communities in Sri Lanka. The Commission believes that the Government, as well as all political parties and leaders must manifest political will and sincerity of purpose to take necessary actions to ensure implementation of the recommendations.

The Commission makes an earnest appeal to all parties concerned, in particular to the Government to make all efforts to that end through consensual approaches,” it further said.  

The LLRC was appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 5 May 2010.

The Commission has held 57 public sessions and undertook 12 field visits at over 40 locations to talk to the people in the North and East and in other affected areas of the country.

 In response to its public notices, over a thousand people appeared before the Commission to make representations and the Commission additionally received and analyzed over 5100 written submissions.

This public interaction activity in Colombo and throughout the country lasted nearly 11 months. The Commission also held unscheduled meetings with the general public especially in areas affected by conflict and in IDP settlements.

The Commission revisited certain areas in the North and East in order to further clarify issues, verify information and formulate recommendations.

The Commission submitted its Interim Recommendations to the President covering issues relating to detainees, law and order, land, Illegal armed groups, and language in September 2010.

Representations were heard or received from a broad spectrum of people and organizations, the general public, the academia, professionals, business leaders, defence officials, detained LTTE cadres, clergy and religious dignitaries, administrative officers, politicians, inter-faith groups, persons who had experienced the conflict first- hand, ex-LTTE members, former members of other armed groups, Citizens Committee representatives, NGO representatives, Sri Lankan expatriates and persons who have been generally affected by the conflict. (CK)