Govt studying Reports extensively-Wijayadasa Rajapakshe

The recently tabled Reports of the Udalagama Commission and the Paranagama Commission has paved the way for numerous debates and discussions. It is important to understand the government's point of view in response to the findings. The Report was tabled a few days ago. It is still premature to elaborate on the forward plan of the government, said Justice Minister Wijayadasa Rajapakshe. In a brief interview Minister Rajapakshe said Ministry officials were extensively studying the findings and recommendations of the two Reports. "It is important that we analyse the Reports thoroughly before coming to any conclusions," he said.

Q: With findings and recommendations of the Udalagama Commission and the Paranagama Commission Reports, currently tabled for discussion, what will be the next step?

A: We cannot implement any step immediately as it is important to first analyse these two important Reports. It should be well-studied in the context in which Sri Lankan Human Rights issues are currently discussed.

Q: What is the government's point of view on the findings of the Commissions?

A: The recommendations in the Reports will be given high priority. The two Reports came into the spotlight once again following the UNHRC resolution co-sponsored by Sri Lanka, which has called for a domestic internal inquiry involving foreign expertise over alleged human rights violations in the last stages of the war.

Q: In the backdrop of the UNHRC resolution calling for a domestic inquiry where would these two Commission Reports be placed?

A: The Paranagama Commission and the Udalagama Commission did take in international expertise during the investigations and, therefore, it was not just an investigation confined to the country. The recommendations of the Commissions are important. The domestic inquiry recommended through the UN Resolution will give another point of view to the way forward plan.

Q: What is the government's way forward plan?

A: It is too premature to comment. Ministry officials have started extensively studying the findings and recommendations of the two reports. It is important that we analyse the reports thoroughly before reaching any conclusions.

-DY