The ISTRM met with the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sajith Premadasa on the 23rd of November 2023. The Director General, Dr. Asanga Gunwansa and the team gave some background into the ISTRM and its functions including progress and stakeholder engagements carried out so far. Concerns were raised about the delayed enactment of the truth and reconciliation Bill, despite ongoing discussions and efforts to seek support from various groups. Suggestions included studying the New Zealand and Rwanda TRC models, conducting outreach and public engagement, and prioritizing a multilingual roll out campaign. The importance of maintaining independence of the TRC mechanism from Sri Lanka's political processes and political interference was stressed. The importance of developing a unified State Narrative was also highlighted. Economic instability was noted as a temporary deterrent to racism, but potential challenges post-normalcy were acknowledged. The possibility of nominating persons from the opposition party as a point of contact for the ISTRM along with suggestions for persons who can provide recommendations for the drafting of it was also discussed.
