Sri Lanka's announcement of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has sparked skepticism and criticism from various quarters, with critics arguing that it is merely a ploy to deflect international pressure and delay justice for the Tamil people who suffered a genocide under successive Sinhala regimes.

A detailed examination of Sri Lanka's history reveals a pattern of commissions with mandates to investigate human rights violations, yet the outcomes consistently lack accountability and redress for victims. The TGTE (Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam) points to a series of commissions from 1977 to 2006, each yielding minimal results for victims and raising questions about the sincerity of Sri Lanka's commitment to justice.

The TGTE argues that a crucial component for lasting peace is the acknowledgment of responsibility and recognition of victims' suffering. Drawing parallels with post-war Germany and Sadat's acknowledgment of Jewish suffering, the TGTE contends that Sri Lanka's failure to make a genuine acknowledgment raises doubts about its intent to implement recommendations for justice or recompense.

The UN High Commissioner's report highlights concerns about Sri Lanka's actions, including the perceived promotion of settlement to alter the ethnic composition in certain regions. The TGTE accuses Sri Lanka of continued aggression to deprive Tamils of their land and identity, rendering the proposed TRC an insult to common sense and an affront to humanity.

Critics argue that Sri Lanka's comparison of its TRC with South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission is misleading. Unlike South Africa, Sri Lanka's national conflict persists, and the TRC lacks victim-led initiatives. Major international NGOs, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have raised concerns about the flaws in Sri Lanka's proposed TRC.

The TGTE calls on UN Human Rights Council member states not to fall into what they label as a trap and instead urges the referral of Sri Lanka to the Security Council and the International Criminal Court. The international community's focus on geopolitical considerations and the desire to divert attention from real issues are seen as potential factors in accepting what the TGTE views as a charade.

As Sri Lanka hopes to navigate international support for its TRC, the TGTE emphasizes that direct and strong action to deliver justice for international crimes is imperative, given the 15 years since the end of the war, during which Sri Lanka has failed to deliver justice and accountability for crimes against the Tamils.