Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation Advances National Healing
March 06, Colombo (LNW): The Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation (CTUR) takes a significant step toward fostering national healing, justice, and unity in Sri Lanka. Recent dialogues held in Colombo aimed to provide clarity on the draft Bill related to the proposed CTUR.
The sessions brought together a diverse assembly of individuals and stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations and religious institutions represented by the Himalayan Group. This inclusive approach sought unique perspectives and expertise. Another session included senior academics, journalists, and representatives of civil society organizations, offering a comprehensive range of insights and expertise.
The envisioned CTUR in Sri Lanka is poised to be an autonomous truth-seeking body, established through legislative channels via an Act of Parliament. With a specific mandate to uncover truths regarding alleged violations during the country’s conflict in the Northern and Eastern Provinces from 1983 to 2009, the CTUR aims to be an impartial entity. It will systematically gather victim narratives, document instances of violence, acknowledge past injustices, and formulate recommendations to prevent future occurrences, contributing to the nation’s healing process post-conflict.
The recent dialogues focused on the draft legislation for establishing an independent commission, complementing the efforts of the Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM). Key provisions of the Bill emphasize the commission’s mandate to investigate and offer recommendations regarding human rights violations during the conflict period and its aftermath.
Stakeholder engagement strategies, including field visits and consultation forums, were discussed, along with insights into the drafting process of the proposed legislation. The ISTRM highlighted the extensive consultations conducted by the Consultation Task Force from 2016 to 2018 and ongoing consultations with stakeholders.
Recognizing the need for a coordinating mechanism within the government for effective reconciliation and justice, discussions touched upon the media’s role in shaping public opinion and the importance of responsible and neutral reporting. The composition of the commissions, the inclusion of diverse expertise, and the engagement of civil society and religious leaders in reconciliation efforts were also emphasized.
The ISTRM clarified the commission’s jurisdictional scope, the appointment process for commissioners, and the roles of the advisory panel and monitoring committee. Emphasizing objectives such as promoting truth-telling, restoring victims’ dignity, and preventing future conflicts, participants stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and invited constructive feedback for the draft legislation.
Numerous ideas and suggestions gathered from these consultations have already been incorporated into the draft bill. Following an extensive consultation process, the draft Bill is set to be submitted to Parliament for further consideration. Prominent attendees included Ven. Kalupahana Piyarathana Thera, Dr. Jehan Perera, Dr. Joe William, Dr. Dayani Panagoda, and Visaka Dharmadasa, showcasing widespread interest and engagement in the reconciliation process. The discussion from the ISTRM was led by Director General Dr. Asanga Gunawansa, PC, aided by the Head of Policy, Dr. C. Y. Thangarajah.
