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New Constitution most potent weapon for non-recurrence of war: Mangala

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9 February 2017 05:01 pm - 10     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A new Constitution is the most potent weapon for non-recurrence of Sri Lanka’s conflict and would have to be given priority over accountability mechanisms, Foreign Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera has said.

The country, which suffered two youth insurrections and a 26-year-long war, had seen enough violence and bigotry, and needed checks and balances to ensure that the road ahead is peaceful, he told Colombo-based foreign correspondents on Wednesday.

According to the Hindu, Minister Samaraweera had assured that the government was committed to drafting a new Constitution that would pave the way for reconciliation.

“Some people pull it backward even as others push it forward... but the government will certainly do it” he said.

Amid mounting criticism from sections of the Tamils and civil society on the pace of reconciliation, he admitted the government had not proceeded as fast as it ought to have. However, assuring that “there will be no U-turns, [although] there could be some detours,” he said, the “destination remains the same”.

Terming accountability the more “controversial” element in reconciliation, Mr. Samaraweera indicated that Sri Lanka would seek more time at the coming UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, to take its efforts forward.

The country was looking at different models of accountability and was in “no great hurry”, as the processes were complex and needed time to ensure it is acceptable to all stakeholders.
In regard to participation of foreign judicial experts in investigation of alleged war crimes, he said: “The [Geneva] resolution speaks of participation of foreign experts at different levels but Sri Lanka is committed to come up with something independent and credible.”


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  • sss Thursday, 09 February 2017 05:22 PM

    what a revelation. I thought the potent weapon is a good economy and strong defense forces

    gobbaya Thursday, 09 February 2017 05:47 PM

    2 nations ..2 languages...new constitution via DM Android App

    Lokka Thursday, 09 February 2017 07:05 PM

    NEW CONSTITUTION. DIVIDED COUNTRY. UNITARY STATE, BUT IN NAME ?????

    Nish Thursday, 09 February 2017 08:32 PM

    If it was that easy world would have had no war.

    Lara Thursday, 09 February 2017 08:34 PM

    The traitor trying to justify terrorism by blaming it on the constitution.

    Buwa Thursday, 09 February 2017 08:35 PM

    Does anyone still doubt that Jan 08th conspiracy was all about this? Divide the country along racial lines.

    Esh Thursday, 09 February 2017 08:35 PM

    Champika Ranawaka where are you?

    Menike Thursday, 09 February 2017 08:44 PM

    There would be no "war" because there will be Sri Lanka(?) and Tamil Eelam with the new constitution. Hope the new constitution also provides the method for the Tamils to live only in Eelam, not everywhere in Sri Lanka. If not there will be another "Eelamwar".

    SL Thursday, 09 February 2017 10:37 PM

    If Tamils wants to live in mono ethnic north,All Tamils shall leave other parts of the country

    Senewi Friday, 10 February 2017 12:33 PM

    That means LTTE separatists can use this weapon to fulfill their objective


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