Reform, rehabilitation and reconciliation in Sri Lanka

By Prof. Rajiva WIJESINGHE

The need for reconciliation in Sri Lanka is universally accepted. Unfortunately, the last few months have seen a plethora of exercises that seem designed to prevent reconciliation. Most recently, we have had a sensational film on the British television Channel 4, almost coinciding with the publication in London of a book by an Australian journalist called Gordon Weiss who had worked in Sri Lanka for the United Nations for a couple of years.These have roused emotions that had lain dormant, but which are now being orchestrated with characteristic efficiency. Unfortunately, the selective approach of these attacks on the Sri Lankan Government are glossed over by comparisons by what is presented as a UN Report. It was that, in fact, that started the flood of allegations that are creating such difficulties for the pursuit of peace.

Ironically, a report that is not entirely legitimate is thus used to bestow legitimacy on what might be termed cowboy attacks.

I say the Darusman Report is not entirely legitimate because, although it is widely referred to as a UN Report, it is only a 'Report of the Secretary-General's Panel of Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka'.

The Experts however had a very different view of their role from that of the Secretary General, as is apparent from the fact that they thought they needed to go to Sri Lanka to do their job whereas the Secretary-General's office indicated that this was not essential. Thus, a report on accountability issues was turned into an inquisition with regard to Sri Lanka, and the Secretary-General was not in a position to refute this. Conversely, the experts had the best of both worlds, in as much as they could pretend to have conducted an investigation, and claim that there were 'credible allegations' against the Sri Lankan Government, whereas all they did was act as a post box for allegations.

This is part of a presentation made by Prof Rajiva Wijesinha MP and Adviser on Reconciliation to the President, in Brussels recently.