ECONOMYNEXT — A cabinet-approved Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) has conducted stakeholder consultations in the Monaragala district to “gather insights and address community challenges” stemming from Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict, the president’s office said.
The President’s Media Division (PMD) said on Monday June 24 that the ISTRM team met Monaragala District Secretary R M P S. B Rathnayake on June 5 to brief him on the proposed Commission for Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation Bill and the work undertaken by the ISTRM.
On June 6, consultations were held with villagers affected by the war in Ethimale, Okkampitiya, and Mahagodayaya at their respective Divisional Secretariat offices to address issues stemming from the 30-year conflict.
On June 7, a press briefing for regional reporters provided updates on the ISTRM’s activities and objectives. According to the PMD, discussions were also held with various stakeholders, including divisional secretaries, government officials, heads of provincial councils, ex-military officers, representatives from civil society organisations in the Monaragala district, military officers from the War College in Buttala, and senior police officers in the Monaragala district, to gather feedback on the proposed legislation.
On June 8, the team met with the villagers of Hambegamuwa, the estate community, and the Islamic community.
The ISTRM held similar consultations in the Anuradhapura district in May.