Avoid pre-judgmental attitude : GL

21 December 2010 10:55 am

External Affairs Ministry today expressed that the US Embassy in Colombo and the State Department in Washington would convey to the Senators and Congressmen, who called for a probe in Sri Lanka the need to avoid being pushed by false propaganda towards the adoption of a pre-judgmental attitude.

During the discussion with Butenis today, the Minister addressed the letter sent by a number of US Senators with regards to the Lessons Learnt & Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) claiming that it lacks mandate and broad scope. 

“The Minister noted that on the contrary, the Terms of Reference establishing the Commission expressly call for it to make recommendations to prevent recurrence of the inflicted strife of the past, while promoting further national unity and reconciliation among all communities.  Accordingly, the Commission has the necessary amplitude for its effective functioning,” the statement said.

Minister Peiris recalled to the US Ambassador that when he met Secretary of State Clinton in Washington on the 28th of May this year, the Secretary had observed with regard to the LLRC that “this Commission holds promise”.  It is therefore important to allow the Commission the necessary space and time to accomplish its objectives. 

The Minister went on to express the hope that the US Embassy in Colombo and the State Department in Washington would convey to the Senators and Congressmen, the need to avoid being pushed by false propaganda towards the adoption of a pre-judgmental attitude. (Daily Mirror online)