LLRC recommendations: over 50 pc implemented

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

The government has completed implementing over 50 percent of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations not only to protect and safeguard Human Rights, but also to bring eternal peace to the country, Mass Media and Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

The minister addressing the weekly Cabinet media briefing at the ministry yesterday, said on the President’s instructions, the government implemented the LLRC to protect the country from another conflict.

The government is duty bound to carry out the recommendations of the LLRC report. Most LLRC recommendations have been put into practice. The rest will be implemented in due course, he said.

The minister said this step will take some time since many related measures have to be taken when implementing some recommendations of the LLRC report.

“For instance, Cabinet approval might be needed to implement certain recommendations,” Rambukwella said. Asked about the Indian stance, he said India has been entrapped in a political pressure.

“But, India has to act in a responsible manner regarding this issue,” he said. “Hence, we believe India will support us, giving a positive response,” the minister said.

Speaking on the recent attack on Sri Lankan Bhikkus and devotees in India, Rambukwella said the government expressed dissatisfaction to the Indian government through the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India over these incidents.

The minister said Human Rights allegations against Sri Lanka are a part of a drama for several years.

“As a result of this drama, some local and foreign elements tried to induce the Human Rights Council to take tough action against Sri Lanka regarding Human Rights violations. However, after considering the views of the Sri Lankan delegation headed by Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, it was decided to further observe the developments in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan delegation had pointed out that the country has nothing to hide even though it has been dealing with terrorism for a long time. Moreover, the Sri Lankan delegation stressed the government was protecting Human Rights,” Rambukwella said.

He said Sri Lanka is not alone as many countries support Sri Lanka.

“They have clearly understood the fact that Sri Lanka has been able to safeguard the lives of millions of ordinary people by defeating terrorism,” Rambukwella said.