EU and Muslims calls for LLRC full implementation

The European Union (EU) today called for the full implementation of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and advancing a sustainable political solution saying they are essential for peaceful growth and stability in Sri Lanka.

“We welcome the appointment by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, of three renowned experts – Martti Ahtisaari, Silvia Cartwright and Asma Jahangir – to assist the investigation team for Sri Lanka led by her office. We urge the Government of Sri Lanka to fully cooperate with the investigation to address accountability issues as an important step for fostering genuine reconciliation. It should also allow all stakeholders to engage without fear of reprisals,” the EU said in a statement from Brussels.

The EU statement said that Sri Lanka has come a long way in rebuilding the country since the end of the conflict five years ago but added that efforts should not stop here.

“Notably the full implementation of the recommendations of Sri Lanka’s own Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission and advancing a sustainable political solution are essential for peaceful growth and stability in Sri Lanka,” the EU added.

The EU says it is willing to continue assisting Sri Lanka in its efforts to make further progress on these issues. (Colombo Gazette)

Muslim Council Wants Rajapaksa To Implement LLRC Recommendations

The Muslim Council of Sri Lanka has today urged the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.

Sending a letter to Rajapaksa, the Muslim Council said; “Religious intolerance and racial hatred needs to be dealt with immediately and effective mechanisms should be established so that grievances of all communities could be addressed. Towards this end, we, the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka request your kind intervention in implementing the clauses 9.218, 219 of the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.”

We publish below the letter in full;

His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa

President,

Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Presidential Secretariat

Colombo 1

Your Excellency,

VIOLENCE AGAINST MINORITY COMMUNTIES

As you are aware, the progress made in all spheres since the end of the war by Sri Lanka under your leadership was seriously undermined in the two days of violence in Aluthgama, Beruwela and surrounding villages. This has cast a dark shadow on Sri Lanka’s image with almost the entire international community condemning it. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other countries who have been great friends and supported Sri Lanka against the resolutions brought at the United Nations Human Rights Council too have condemned this racial riots that was set in motion by the Bodu Bala Sena with their two year long hate campaign against Muslims and other minority groups as its backdrop.

The international condemnation and the negative publicity that has destroyed the country’s image should be addressed as a priority. Towards this end, all Sri Lankans belonging to all communities need to stand together and find ways to rebuild the confidence lost in Sri Lanka by investors, tourists and nations. At the same time we need to restore Sri Lankan citizens’ own confidence in the future of the country.

Religious intolerance and racial hatred needs to be dealt with immediately and effective mechanisms should be established so that grievances of all communities could be addressed. Towards this end, we, the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka request your kind intervention in implementing the clauses 9.218, 219 of the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission. Such a measure if done immediately will lead to the re-establishing of confidence amongst all Sri Lankans to work towards the progress and prosperity of the country.