Blog Archives

Political dialogue must be accompanied by concrete changes on the ground

India's External Affairs Minister S.M.Krishna

During his recent visit to Sri Lanka, Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna gave support to the Sri Lankan government’s intention to have a Parliamentary Select Committee work out the modalities of a political solution to the ethnic conflict. The Indian government has consistently expressed its interest in a political
solution and that the Sri […]

By National Press Council | Published on January 22, 2012 at 11:05 pm

Governmental follow up to LLRC report vital

The final report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa has drawn a mixed reaction. The 388 page report has been criticized by the main Tamil political party, the Tamil National Alliance, and by international human rights organizations. They have referred to the report as being in the nature of […]

By National Press Council | Published on December 23, 2011 at 9:14 pm

Norwegian peace efforts in Sri Lanka courageous and worthy of study

Norwegian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Her Excellency Hilde Haraldstad

18.11.11: Sri Lanka’s internal war and terrorism lasted for three decades and ended in May 2009 with the military defeat of the LTTE. The overall cost in terms of lives lost, property destroyed, development opportunities foregone,
emotional suffering and migration of Sri Lankans is incalculable. The bitterness and animosity that the last stage of the war caused […]

By National Press Council | Published on November 18, 2011 at 9:20 am

FULL ACCOUNTING TO DEAL WITH WAR CRIMES CHALLENGES

President Rsajapakse speechifying at the UN as human rights groups urge that Sri Lanka must be held accountable for war crimes

Today the Sri Lankan government is under international pressure on account of alleged war crimes that were committed in the last phase of the war
and to be accountable according to international standards. Legal cases against Sri Lankan government representatives have been filed in US and other international courts alleging war crimes and serious human rights […]

By National Press Council | Published on October 12, 2011 at 11:46 pm

Lifting of emergency will strengthen democratic processes

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s announcement to Parliament that the government would not be renewing the state of emergency comes as a welcome action in the restoration of normalcy in the country. With the war against the LTTE ending over two years
and three months ago, the time was ripe for a restoration of normal laws to the country. […]

By National Press Council | Published on August 29, 2011 at 2:54 pm