LLRC report to British Parliamentarians
Sri Lanka High Commissioner in the United Kingdom Dr Chris Nonis
briefed British Parliamentarians from the House of Commons and the House
of Lords, academics and Think Tanks, at an interactive dialogue on the
LLRC Report in Portcullis House in the British Parliament on December
20.
Dr Nonis articulated that the holistic approach of the LLRC is
entirely consistent with restorative justice embedded with
accountability. He further stated that it is a comprehensive, objective
and impartial report which demonstrates the integrity of the LLRC, and
it is set in the context of International Humanitarian Law incorporating
the principle of distinction and principle of proportionality.
He said that it has a wealth of content and provides a nuanced
understanding of the conflict, and many lessons can be learnt from it.
He stated that the release of the LLRC Report in full by the
Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa demonstrates both its
sincerity and commitment and is a landmark in the reconciliation process
of Sri Lanka in the post-conflict era.
"This is an extremely welcome opportunity to discuss the way forward
for Sri Lanka after what has been a very difficult period of its
history. The High Commissioner gave us a very thorough overview of the (LLRC)
report including answers to a wide range of questions. I know that a
number of my Parliamentarian colleagues look forward with the intent to
seeing Sri Lanka progress over the coming months and years,"
Conservative MP James Wharton said.
Lord Rogan of Lower Iveagh who was a key figure associated with the
Northern Ireland Peace Process and the Good Friday Agreement said: "As
we know and have experience from coming out of a 40-year old conflict in
Northern Ireland it takes time and patience to move from conflict to
consensus politics and I would ask all peoples in Sri Lanka and the
diaspora to have patience and give time and space for a peaceful
solution to develop."
Sir Harold Walker KCMG, President, British Society for Middle Eastern
Studies and former Chairman, Royal Society for Asian Affairs said: "It
is commendable that the Sri Lankan government released such a
comprehensive and hard-hitting report; of course. The world will be
watching to see that the report is followed through. However, so far,
the signs are clear that the government of Sri Lanka do intend to follow
the Report through. They must however be allowed time for this process,
in particular since it follows such a long period of conflict, and these
issues cannot be settled overnight."
Courtesy: priu.gov.lk
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