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Ban hails progress in Sri Lanka after one year

January 8, 2016 08:28

BanUN Secretary-General Ban ki-moon has congratulated President Maithripala Sirisena, and the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the first year of the country’s political transition.

Ban said he is encouraged by the Government’s commitment to a broad reform agenda that aims to realise durable peace, stability and prosperity for the Sri Lankan people.

The Secretary-General acknowledges the initial steps the Government has taken to strengthen good governance, advance reconciliation and implement the resolution of the Human Rights Council of October 2015.

He urges continued progress in these areas and emphasises the need for inclusive consultation processes to address issues of transitional justice.

The Secretary-General supports the Government’s efforts to advance a nation-wide dialogue to achieve a long-term political settlement acceptable to all. In this regard, he welcomes the Government’s announcement to commence constitutional reform. He called on all stakeholders to cooperate in a spirit of inclusion and good faith.

The Secretary-General remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s reform initiatives to secure long-term peace, prosperity and respect for human rights, including through financial support from the Peacebuilding Fund and technical assistance.

He commended Sri Lanka’s leadership in working to transform the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals into reality on the ground.

The domestic accountability process on the war will begin next week

The domestic accountability process on the war will begin next week,
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said today.

He said this following talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, Børge Brende at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo today.

“The domestic mechanisms through which we are trying to address this past, are in the process of being developed and the consultation process to design these mechanisms, will begin next week,” the Foreign Minister said.

He also noted that on Saturday a special session of Parliament will form a constitutional council, a committee consisting of the whole Parliament, which will begin the serious business of consulting the people and drafting a new constitution for Sri Lanka that reflects the aspirations of all Sri Lankans.

Samaraweera also said that he and Minister Brende discussed expanding Norwegian development assistance, especially technical assistance for the fisheries sector and solar power generation.

In addition, he said they explored the possibility of expanding Norwegian investment in Sri Lanka, both through portfolio and foreign direct investment.

Minister Samaraweera said that he is confident that regular high level interaction at all levels will pave the way for a stronger relationship between Norway and Sri Lanka, which in turn will benefit both countries and the people. (Colombo Gazette) 07-01-2016