The ISTRM carried out its first site visit from the 10th – 12th of December, 2023. The visit to Jaffna is a pivotal component of the ISTRM’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy. It is a crucial step in engaging with communities directly affected by the conflict and incorporating their voices into the foundational work of the TRC. During the visit, the ISTRM team met with several stakeholders, including Members of the Peace Gallery, Jaffna GA, Land Registrar – Divisional Secretariat, Caritash, University of Jaffna Dean, lecturers, and other academics, Bishop of Jaffna, Jaffna Vallami, Hindu priest at Nallur, Nagar Vihara buddhist priest, representatives of the IT Chamber of Commerce, and the OMP branch in the North. Dr. Asanga Gunwansa outlined the ISTRM’s functions and progress including research into applicable foreign models and stakeholder engagements carried out so far. The groups raised concerns on land issues, religious sites, lack of freedom for activism and memorialisation, military presence, accountability lapses, failure to implement recommendations by former commissions, victim fatigue and mistrust etc. The ISTRM emphasized its commitment to transparency, distinguishing the proposed commission as an independent body established by an Act of Parliament and therefore being supported by a strong legal framework. The team encouraged feedback from the groups on their input and insight to make the proposed commission a meaningful and effective one. Several of the groups expressed their willingness to support the proposed commission in its mandate. The ISTRM will continue engagement with these groups to receive their feedback on a draft Bill.