The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency with the Sri Lankan government’s Presidential Commission to Investigate In to Complaints Regarding Missing Persons (COI), stating that there is a question of “genuine willingness” to address issues of truth and justice.
In a letter addressed to the COI, the CPA said “the mandate and operation of the COI begs the question of whether there is genuine willingness by the Government to address issues of truth, justice and reparations”.
Highlighting three main areas of concern- the interim report, the nature of public and private sittings and the status of investigations – the CPA went on to state,
“Such developments highlights that the new Government too is relying on the tactics of the former regime to delay any independent and credible truth and justice mechanisms.”
There was a “lack of transparency” regarding the interim report said the CPA, adding that the organisation hoped it would shed light on any investigations and future plans of the commission.
Noting that several military officials, including suspected war criminal Major General Jagath Dias, had been interviewed by the COI, the letter continued to say it was concerned by the “secrecy” of such sittings. “Our concern is compounded by the non-availability of the option of a private sitting for all the victims, families and witnesses who have come before the COI,” said the CPA, adding “this in a context when some of them have faced security issues”.
See the full text of the letter here.
In a letter addressed to the COI, the CPA said “the mandate and operation of the COI begs the question of whether there is genuine willingness by the Government to address issues of truth, justice and reparations”.
Highlighting three main areas of concern- the interim report, the nature of public and private sittings and the status of investigations – the CPA went on to state,
“Such developments highlights that the new Government too is relying on the tactics of the former regime to delay any independent and credible truth and justice mechanisms.”
There was a “lack of transparency” regarding the interim report said the CPA, adding that the organisation hoped it would shed light on any investigations and future plans of the commission.
Noting that several military officials, including suspected war criminal Major General Jagath Dias, had been interviewed by the COI, the letter continued to say it was concerned by the “secrecy” of such sittings. “Our concern is compounded by the non-availability of the option of a private sitting for all the victims, families and witnesses who have come before the COI,” said the CPA, adding “this in a context when some of them have faced security issues”.
See the full text of the letter here.