Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Austin Fernando delivered a talk on “Post 2015: Reconciliation Milestones in Sri Lanka” on 18 January 2019 at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in New Delhi.
In his speech, the High Commissioner gave a chronological account of the reconciliation process that has taken place in Sri Lanka since 2015. While highlighting the challenges that were ahead of the implementation process, he briefed the foreign correspondents on the nature in which the Government of Sri Lanka has spearheaded in the process through an inclusive approach. Highlighting the four pillars that have been identified by the Government of Sri Lanka, i.e.
- Seek Truth
- Seek Justice
- Seek Reparation
- Ensure non recurrence
High Commissioner Fernando underlined the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment towards focusing on providing justice to all sections of the society. Further elaborating on the implementation process since 2015, he underscored the developments within the aspects of Accountability Mechanisms, Resettlement of the Displaced, Criminalising of Enforced Disappearances, Review of the Victim and Witness Protection Law Assistance, Prevention of Torture, Review and Repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), and the Strengthening of the National Human Rights Commission. He also briefed the correspondents on the tasks carried out by the Human Rights Action Plan and how it has positively contributed towards achieving human rights in the post 2015 reconciliation process.
Answering queries made by the participants, the High Commissioner emphasized the need and interest Sri Lanka has, to receive the refugees in India and stated that Mission will follow up with relevant agencies to accelerate the pace of return of refugees.
Foreign Correspondents based in New Delhi who also cover Sri Lanka, members of the diplomatic corp, Indian media and the staff of the Sri Lanka High Commission, were among the participants.
To read the detailed speech please visit:
Listen to the speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PtsFelh6Bg
