Reconciliation Commission

Terms of reference finalised

Irangika RANGE and Sandasen MARASINGHE

External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris told Parliament yesterday that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided to appoint a Reconciliation Commission of which the terms of reference have already been finalised.

He said the Commission would be on the lines of the Chillcott Commission appointed after the Northern Ireland conflict ended and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission appointed in South Africa. "It is an institution of healing. Other countries in similar post conflict situations have taken such steps," the Minister said.

He said the major objective of the Government in appointing the Commission is to reach out to all communities to heal the wounds of war.