TNA seeks insights from South Africa

13 January 2012 09:30 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said yesterday that during its recent interaction with African National Congress (ANC) leaders it had sought insights from the findings and recommendations of the Truth Commission of South Africa.

The TNA participated in the centenary celebrations of the ANC, which was once led by South Africa’s iconic former President Nelson Mandela.

When asked about the visit, TNA leader R. Sampanthan said he and three other TNA parliamentarians, talked to ANC leaders on the sidelines of the celebrations.

He said the ANC was vastly experienced in bringing about reconciliation and therefore meeting its leaders and seeking insights on the South African experience was a useful exercise.

When asked whether he would brief the government on what transpired, Mr. Sampanthan said they were prepared to share the insights should the government asked the TNA about it.

“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was presided over by Mr. Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu. It was worthwhile meeting the ANC leaders.”

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a court-like body for restorative justice after the abolition of apartheid. Those who were identified as victims of gross human rights violations were invited to share their experiences and some were selected for public hearings. Perpetrators of violence were also given the opportunity to give their testimony and request for amnesty from civil and criminal prosecution.

The deliberations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were seen by many as a crucial component in the transition to full and free democracy in South Africa. Despite some of its flaws, it is largely thought to have been successful.

Mr. Sampanthan meanwhile confirmed that his party would participate in talks with the government scheduled for January 17, 18 and 19. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 11

Rajaratnam Saturday, 14 January 2012 12:59 AM

You are the true perpetrators who encouraged terorists to kill thousands of innocent people in the country.

John Saturday, 14 January 2012 05:43 AM

The SA model should have been adopted by SL as it embodied TRUE reconciliation and MOVING FORWARD. It brought HUMAN DIGNITY & Equality to the Africans/Indians/other communities who were affected by the evils of apartheid.

Lanke Banda Saturday, 14 January 2012 06:18 AM

This is nonsence. TNA should be proscribed as they are towing in line with LTTE ideology & Un due involvement with Foreign Political agendas thus undermining the Peace achieved after 30 Bloody years.
GOSL SHOULD AT NO COST GIVE INTO THE TNA on undue pressure by Foreign Political Parties instigated by TNA.

kalu sudda Saturday, 14 January 2012 11:39 AM

Any possibility of pleading guilty?

PROF. KOPAN MAHADEVA Saturday, 14 January 2012 01:05 PM

I feel that TNA'a recent visit to South Africa to find out first-hand, SA's time-distilled experience with Reconciliation after Apartheid would be very useful for Sri Lanka's Reconciliation after the Ethnic War. I also think, it is important that the TNA Leaders brief the President and senior Cabinet Ministers on their SA experiences, preferably before the next round of three-day talks scheduled for next week. Best wishes to all.
-- Professor Kopan Mahadeva, London

Nodrog Saturday, 14 January 2012 02:23 PM

Stop talking to other nations/organizations about your issues. They cannot help! Like it or not you have to talk instead to the local Govt in whose hands the decisions lie.

Roshan Saturday, 14 January 2012 03:19 PM

so the SLA was kissing Tamils all the years?

nima Sunday, 15 January 2012 12:26 AM

This is Foolish.It was that minority whites were ruling South Africa.There is no similarity situation on Sri Lanka and South Africa.Now the ruling power is the majority. So what ? TNA is LTTE anyway.

shandy Sunday, 15 January 2012 02:07 AM

How many people went to jail after South Africa's commission report? Just want to know.

raj Sunday, 15 January 2012 03:45 AM

Sri Lanka tells others not to interfere the internal affair of Sri Lanka while Tamils ask Sri Lanka to let them to take care of their affair and not to interfere. If you apply same rule, what is the result?

Ajith Sunday, 15 January 2012 05:04 AM

There is lot of differences between winning the war and achieving peace..Yes we won the war, but Peace could only be achieved when we resolve the root cause of the war...

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TNA seeks insights from South Africa

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