Opposition raises concerns over submissions sought from diaspora

The joint opposition today raised concerns over a call for submissions from the Sri Lankan diaspora on a judicial mechanism with a special counsel to take the reconciliation process forward.

Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) leader and joint opposition member Dinesh Gunawardena told Parliament today that the submissions had been called for by the Foreign Ministry without informing Parliament.

He read a notice issued by the Sri Lankan Embassy in the US which states that the Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms is calling for submissions from diaspora organisations on the design of structures, processes and measures for truth, accountability, reparations and non-recurrence, i.e. an Office on Missing Persons, an Office on Reparations; a Judicial Mechanism with a Special Counsel; a Truth, Justice, Reconciliation and Non-Recurrence Commission; and any other mechanisms, processes or measures for advancing reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

Dinesh Gunawardena said that proposals have been sought on the judicial mechanism despite President Maithripala Sirisena saying there can be no foreign interference in the?judicial process.

He said that it seems the Foreign Ministry is taking arbitrary decisions and not following the policy of the President on the reconciliation process.

Gunawardena called on the Government to respond to the concerns raised on the conduct of the Foreign Ministry by making a statement in Parliament. (Colombo Gazette)