The Batticaloa Peace Committee, Batticaloa Justice Walkers, and Family Members of the Disappeared said, before establishing the Truth and Reconciliation mechanisms, the Government must follow -up on the already-established findings related to a number of emblematic cases in Batticaloa, that were presented to the Presidential Commissions and take concrete action on them.
They also demanded to fast-track process to provide every affected family member with copies of key documents related to the incidents or losses they have experienced which includes copies of police reports, records from various public commissions, and complaint records submitted to the Human Rights Commission (HRC), among others.
They said in cases where the original police complaint cannot be located in the police records, they propose recording new complaints linked to the original ones under this accelerated process.
They also demanded, in the absence or death of the family members who originally had made complaints, recognise the right of the next of kin in that family who is continuing the struggle for truth and justice to claim these documents.
The documents issued under the fast-track process must be guaranteed to have the same credibility for legal and administrative purposes as a police report made at the time of the event.
He also noted that as the follow-up on the already-established findings related to a number of emblematic cases in Batticaloa, which were presented to Presidential Commissions on numerous occasions with clear and credible evidence, including eyewitness accounts. Thorough inquires and investigations must be conducted within one year, and results of these must be made public.
They also recalled that many families have already identified to numerous commissions which camps their loved ones were taken. A list of those who are responsible mast be published. This way, families can make specific demands with regards to the whereabouts of their loved ones, and for overall accountability for enforced disappearance.
Also brought to light was that credible inquiries must be initiated into the role and culpability of all armed groups in abductions and enforced disappearances, including by groups such as PLOTE, EPDP, Karuna Faction and TMVP that worked alongside the government forces. Meanwhile, multiple civil society groups have written to the Government and even submitted a copy of the letter of concern to Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, expressing the victim community’s lack of confidence in any local commission or tribunal, including the recent National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC). These commissions have a history of obstructing truth-seeking and preventing the victims from attaining accountability. The groups have also highlighted that prominent officials and politicians consistently affirm their commitment to supporting war heroes and patriotic forces. The civil society said if the Government is interested in winning the public’s trust it should review the existing recommendations from previous commissions and develop a plan to implement them with a time frame.
Another group has also written to the Government stating that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by the Government should with the support of the International Community urged to fast-track a process of giving every affected family member copies of the key documents that relate to the incidents or losses they have experienced.
By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan