The signing of a gazette to operationalise the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) has been welcomed by the US, EU and Canada on Wednesday, with calls for “credible commissioners” to be swiftly appointed.
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap said the move was an “important step forward” for advancing reconciliation. “A well-funded and robust OMP with independent & well qualified commissioners will give hope to families from all communities who seek answers,” he tweeted.
The European Union said operationalising the OMP was “an important and welcome development” and that it hopes “credible commissioners can be recruited quickly”.
Canada reacted by stating it was an “important & positive step for victims”. The High Commission of Canada in Sri Lanka went on to state,
“Next step: commissioners & functionality”.
The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) had expressed "serious concerns" on the process stating there was a “complete disregard towards the constitutional framework in Sri Lanka”.
We need your support
Sri Lanka is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a journalist. Tamil journalists are particularly at threat, with at least 41 media workers known to have been killed by the Sri Lankan state or its paramilitaries during and after the armed conflict.
Despite the risks, our team on the ground remain committed to providing detailed and accurate reporting of developments in the Tamil homeland, across the island and around the world, as well as providing expert analysis and insight from the Tamil point of view
We need your support in keeping our journalism going. Support our work today.
For more ways to donate visit https://donate.tamilguardian.com.
