LLRC has made considerable progress - Forign Minister

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris pointed out to his British counterpart William Hague that the work of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) has made considerable progress and has already made interim communications to the government most of which have been earmarked for implementation.

During his recent meeting with William Hague, Prof. Peiris also emphasised the need for the international community to look at the Commission without prejudice but with a benign presumption.

Briefing on the present developments in Sri Lanka including the progress made with regard to the resettlement of the displaced, provision of livelihood for the people and the ongoing focus on infrastructure development, Minister Peiris thanked the British government for its continued humanitarian assistance through the Department for International Development.

Commenting that Sri Lanka is now moving towards an economic renaissance he said that the government is pleased that the private sector has come forward to assist the government in providing employment opportunities for the breadwinners of the resettled families. In this context, Minister Peiris highlighted that the British investors are welcome to invest in the emerging atmosphere which holds promise for business. He specifically referred to the boom in the tourism industry.

Referring to the endeavours in arriving at a political solution Minister Peiris said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa remains resolved in bringing a lasting solution to address the concerns of all parties. He also said that discussions between the Government and the Tamil political parties, which commenced two months ago, are scheduled to continue.

Noticing that the contemporary international order is such that the countries are allowed to address their own issues without the others interfering with condescending and judgemental views, Minister Peiris said that Sri Lanka would appreciate the understanding of her friends and requires space for the Commission to proceed. At his meeting with Defence Secretary Dr. Liam Fox, Minister Peiris discussed the whole spectrum of development currently taking place in Sri Lanka, with particular reference to the resettlement of internally displaced persons and the restoration of livelihood.