The ISTRM convened with key stakeholders, including civil society organizations, religious leaders, senior professors and lecturers’ from the University of Jaffna, grassroots communities and women’s rights movements from December 10th to December 12th. The ISTRM delegation’s visit to Jaffna was aimed at gathering insights and recommendations to formulate a sustainable framework for national unity and reconciliation.
Discussions included a comprehensive examination of community barriers and key issues that have been an impediment towards building sustainable peace and reconciliation. Officials of the Interim Secretariat held a comprehensive consultation with prominent religious figures, including Chief Priest at Nallur Kovil Maikundal Swami Kurukkal, Bishop of Jaffna Diocese Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin B Gnanapragasam,Ven. Damika Thero of the Jaffna Naga Vihara. The religious leaders conveyed the expectations, views and concerns of the public and offered prayers and blessings for the success of reconciliation activities, emphasizing the importance of ethnic harmony in the country.