Foreign envoys briefed on post-war reconciliation efforts

Amidst deepening political turmoil caused by an unprecedented forex crisis, Foreign Minister, who is also the State Minister for Defence, Prof. G.L. Peiri, has briefed a group of Colombo-based Ambassadors on the progress made by the government in addressing post-conflict reconciliation related issues and measures adopted to further strengthen democracy and human rights.

Foreign Minister Peiris explained that the recent substantive amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the steps being taken to draft a comprehensive counter terrorism legislation to bring it in line with contemporary dimensions of terrorism.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Prof. Peiris has referred to the recent meeting the President had with the Tamil National Alliance and the steps being taken to address some of the issues affecting the people of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, including issues relating to the land and PTA detainees’. He also referred to the report of the Committee of Experts on drafting a new Constitution which was recently handed over to the President and assured that steps will be taken to commence broader consultations.

Referring to the Government’s commitment to strengthening the collaborative relationship with Civil Society organizations and the recent decision to bring the National NGO Secretariat under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Peiris briefed the Ambassadors on the regular dialogue the Foreign Ministry has with Heads of NGOs and the commitment to support their work.

Minister Prof. Peiris also referred to the Government’s commitment to implement the recommendations in the Second Interim Report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry for Appraisal of the Findings of Previous Commissions and the Way Forward.

The Minister also briefed on the prevailing situation in the country and the steps being taken to address the political and economic challenges in accordance with the Constitution.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasooriya, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colambage and Senior Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.