External timelines lack ground realities and will only hinder reconciliation: SL to UN

Speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Thursday, Sri Lanka said that timelines evolved externally to achieve transitional justice in the country would only hinder the reconciliation process as such timelines would lack any ground realities.

Kshenuka Seneviratne, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN expressed these views at the Open Debate on 'Peace building and sustainable peace: Transitional justice in conflict and post-conflict situation.'

She said, therefore, it is appropriate that when seeking mechanisms of transitional justice, related simple theories would need to take cognizance of the various historical, cultural and religious sensitivities.

"Promoting a peaceful, just and reconciled society is not only an objective in itself, but also a pre-requisite for a sustainable and inclusive approach to development that leaves no one behind. As a sovereign State, Sri Lanka will continue to establish its own priorities towards this end. In our experience, while certain lessons can be learnt from others, it is imperative to chart our own path to reconciliation in order for it to be sustainable," she said.

She said Sri Lanka is therefore committed, to find innovative and pragmatic solutions driven by the domestic context to protect the country’s national interest guided by the provisions of the Constitution, and the will of the citizens expressed through democratic means.

"In this context, Sri Lanka looks forward to continue its cooperation with the international community through capacity building and technical assistance in mutually agreed areas, in keeping with domestic priorities and policies," Ms. Seneviratne said.