Responding to a question on the nature of the accountability mechanism that the UN support in Sri Lanka, the spokesperson, said,

“I think, you know, whether it’s domestic or international, that will need to be determined.  We are obviously awaiting the High Commissioner’s report and recommendations to make that decision.”

Answering questions on if the UN Peacebuilding Fund was considering funding a national accountability mechanism in Sri Lanka as suggested by recently leaked documents, the Un Secretary General representative said,

“I think what I can tell you is that the UN supports the Government and the people of Sri Lanka and their efforts to advance reconciliation and accountability as evidenced by commitments made by the Secretary General and during the Under-Secretary-General’s recent visit — Feltman’s recent visit to Sri Lanka.  In this regard, we’re exploring provision of a broad package of technical and financial assistance at the request of the Chief Minister, also including the support of the Northern Province to bolster citizen confidence in the peace process.  What is currently under discussion for support by the Peacebuilding Fund are initiatives to advance the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka by resettlement of internally displaced persons, national reconciliation, strengthening human rights mechanism, and ending impunity.  The UN support is always based on the basis of inclusive and participatory consultations with all key stakeholders.”

Sri Lanka denies reaching agreement with UN over domestic investigation (31 Jul 2015)

Sri Lanka wants ‘domestic inquiry without outside pressure’ says minister (30 Jul 2015)

Speaking to Ceylon Today, Mr Premajayanth, said,

“What is the ethnic issue? It is Sampanthan of the Tamil National Alliance who is talking about the ethnic issue. What he wants is North-East integration and to establish autonomy which we will never allow. We are not prepared to give anything beyond 13.”

Sri Lankan election commissioner says candidates must affirm commitment to unitary state  (30 Jul 2015)

Soldiers from Sri Lanka’s 23 Division held a Buddhist religious ceremony at the Security Force Headquarters in the Easter Province, to mark the 25th anniversary of the division last Wednesday.

Buddhist monks were invited to the military base in the Eastern town of Punani, where following a Guard Turnout and Guard of Honour, an all-night Pirith chanting ceremony was held.

Rejecting a political solution based on federalism Senaratne added that the United National Party (UNP) had always been firm on maintaining the unitary nature of the state.

“It is obvious we don’t agree with their (TNA’s) demands for a federal sate. The United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) is saying that we support a federal system, this is false. They are doing this because they are weak,” he said.