The government has sought views from its alliance partners to prepare an action plan to be presented to the United States (US), on the implementation of recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), political sources said yesterday.

The US -sponsored resolution demanding the implementation of constructive recommendations of the Commission was adopted at the United Nations Human Rights Council on March 23. External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris has decided to go to Washington next month with an action plan on the implementation of LLRC recommendations. He will interact with his US counterpart Hillary Clinton during the visit. The government has requested its alliance partners to put forward their views in this respect.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party headed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the largest party in the ruling coalition. Besides, there are parties like the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress led by Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem, All Ceylon National Congress led by Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, National Congress led by A.L.M. Athaullah, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna led by Water Supply and Drainage Services Minister Dinesh Gunawardane, Communist Party of Senior Minister D.E.W. Gunasekara, Lanka Samasamaja Party of Prof. Tissa Vitarana, Democratic Left Front of National Languages Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Jathika Hela Urumaya of Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Ealam People’s Democratic Party of Traditional Industries Minister Douglas Devananada and Jathika Nidahas Peramuna of Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa.

Mr. Gunasekera said his party had no issue on the implementation of the LLRC recommendations. “For us, it is not an issue. We will send our report to the government on Friday. We are for a meaningful implementation of all the positive recommendations,” he said. The other leftist parties in the ruling coalition have also endorsed the LLRC report.

Minister Hakeem said he would submit his party’s report by next week.

The LLRC, in its report, recommends the strengthening of democratic mechanisms, the addressing of accountability issues during the last phase of the war and evolution of a political solution to the national question.

With regard to the proposed action plan, most parties are expected to submit their proposals to the government next week.

Sri Lanka is also required to submit a comprehensive report to the UNHRC on the measures taken by it in this direction, at the session scheduled for March, next year.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka