A recent UN Human Rights Council session raising grave concerns about the situation in Sri Lanka, including a report by High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, was the focus of a recent article I wrote. Issues mentioned included the government’s much-criticised plans for a Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation and…
Category: News and Events
Bill to appoint Truth and Reconciliation Commission presented to House
Parliament, September 3 (Daily Mirror)- The proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission will not have a mandate to penalize anyone, Minister of External Affairs Ali Sabry told Parliament today. The Minister came out with this remark in response to an allegation made by MP Wimal Weerawansa who questioned whether the…
ISTRM holds a stakeholder forum to discuss the proposed legislation for establishing an independent Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation
In a significant stride towards fostering truth and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, the Interim Secretariat for the Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) recently organized a forum to address key issues related to its mandate. The forum, held in Colombo on February 9th, brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including…
Interim Secretariat presents a copy of the draft Commission for Truth and Reconciliation Bill to the Chief Prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiri Chapters
The Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism recently presented a copy of the draft Truth and Reconciliation Bill to the Chief Prelates of the Asgiri and Malwathu chapters. Dr. Asanga Gunawansa, the Director General of the Interim Secretariat, led the delegation. Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera of…
ISTRM Conducts Public Consultation with Key Stakeholders in the Eastern Province
A series of consultations were conducted in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka from January 3rd to January 7th, 2024, by the Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM), which actively engaged with key stakeholders in various locations, fostering dialogue and gaining crucial insights essential for shaping the path…
Sri Lanka takes historic step towards establishing an Independent Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation
In a historic step towards transitional justice and post-conflict reconciliation, the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to establish an independent Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation. This proposed Commission will be established through an Act of Parliament, currently in the drafting process as a concept paper in consultation with…
Visit to the Northern Province to meet key stakeholders
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…
Meeting with Sri Lanka Collective for Consensus (SLCC)
The ISTRM met with representatives of the Sri Lanka Collective for Consensus (SLCC) on the15th of November 2023. SLCC representatives included Dr. Visaka Dharmadasa, Ven. Kalupahana Piyarathana, Dr. Pakiasothy Saravanamutu, Dr. Jehan Perera, Dr. Joe William, Dr. Dayani Panagoda and Mr. V. Kamaladhas. During the meeting, Dr. Asanga Gunawasa provided…
Meeting with representatives of National People’s Power (NPP)
The ISTRM met with a representative of the NPP, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne on the 30th of November 2023. The team and Director General, Dr. Asanga Gunwansa gave background into the operations of the ISTRM, outlining current progress, including stakeholder engagement and ongoing research into TRC processes…
ISTRM Conducts Public Consultation with Key Stakeholders in Jaffna
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…