Action Plan Table (CPA Commentary on LLRC Action Plan)
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7/31/2019 Action Plan Table (CPA Commentary on LLRC Action Plan)
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THENATIONALPLANOFACTIONTOIMPLEMENTTHERECOMMENDATIONSOFTHELESSONSLEARNTANDRECONCILIATIONCOMMISSION
CentreforPolicyAlternatives
August2012
1
1News.lk,SriLankanMilitarytoinvestigationonLLRCrecommendation,16February2012,lastaccessedon21August2012,(Availableat
http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/1489-sri-lankan-military-to-investigation-on-llrc-recommendation ).
ThetablebelowexamineseachoftheissuescoveredintheNationalPlanofActiontoImplementtheRecommendationsoftheLessonsLearnt
andReconciliationCommission(ActionPlan)providing a summaryofthe proposedactions,responsibleagencies,indicators, timeframesand
CPAscomments,concernsandquestions.ThistableaccompaniesacommentarybyCPAthathighlightskeyconcernsrelatingtotheActionPlan
anditsimplementation.
SummaryofActivitiesProposedinthe
ActionPlan
KeyResponsibleAgency,Key
PerformanceIndicator&TimeFrame
proposedintheActionPlan
Comments,ConcernsandQuestions
1.INVESTIGATIONSINTOALLEGEDVIOLATIONSOFIHL
1.Completeon-goingdisciplinaryprocessbeing
conductedintermsofArmedForcesstatutesandtakefollowupactiontoprosecutewhere
relevant.Inrelationto;
a. ThespecificallegationsofattacksonciviliansdetailedintheLLRC.(LLRC9.9and
9.37a)
b. Theallegationsofdisappearancesofpersonsaftertheysurrendered/were
arrestedandwheresuchinvestigation
produceevidenceofanyunlawfulactonthe
partofindividualmembersoftheArmy,
prosecuteandpunishwrongdoers.(LLRC
9.23)
2.Usetheexistingsystemasprovidedforin
(1)MinistryofDefence(MoD)
MinistryofJustice.
Completeon-goingprocess12months
Offendersprosecuted-24months
(2)Attorney-Generals(AGs)
TheroleoftheMoDandothergovernmentactorsinprocesses
involvingincidentsimplicatingthemilitaryraisesquestionswhethertheprocessessuggestedwillbeimpartialand
independent.
TheArmysetupaCourtofinquiryinJanuary20121toinquire
intosuchallegationsbuttherearenopublicreportsrelatingto
progressmade,ifany.
GiventhattheActionPlanstatesthattheinquirybythemilitary
isanongoingprocessandthatthecourtsstartedinJanuary,is
thisactiontobeconcludedinDecember2012?
TheLLRCrecommendationsdonotadequatelyaddressall
allegationsofviolationsofIHL.Itisimportantforareconciliation
processtoinvestigateallallegationsthroughanindependent
processandmakepublicitsfindings.
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2InternationalIndependentGroupofEminentPersons(IIGEP),TheFinalReportoftheIIGEP,15April2008,(Availableat
http://www.ruleoflawsrilanka.org/resources/IIGEPnbspSTM.pdf).
3SeealsoTheNationalActionPlanfortheProtectionandPromotionofHumanRights2011-2016(NHRAP),P.19.
4SriLankaArmy,DefenceMinistry,ExpertsReviewUnalteredVideoProbeLaunched:FreshProbeLaunched,4July2011,lastaccessedon21August2012,
(Availableathttp://www.army.lk/detailed.php?NewsId=3465).
5LiesAgreedUpon,MinistryofDefenceSriLanka,lastaccessedon21August2012,(Availableat
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110801_LAUvdo).
theCriminalProcedureCodetooriginatea
complaintandgivesuchmechanismsufficient
publicity.
Department.
Casesfiledincourt-24Months
TheabsenceofaneffectiveVictimandWitnessprotection
legislationhasbeenalongstandingobstacletoconducteffective
investigations.
2
IntheabsenceofsuchlegislationitisunlikelythatvictimswouldusetheproceduresetoutintheCodeof
CriminalProceduretooriginatecomplaints.Evenifacomplaintis
made,concernsremainastowhetherwitnesseswouldcome
forwardtotestifyandreprisalstheymayfaceindoingso.3
3.Assesstheinquirycurrentlyconductedbythe
Armytoexaminetheauthenticityofthe
allegationsinChannel4videoandtakefollowup
actionasappropriate.(LLRC9.39)
MoD&PresidentialSecretariat.
Assessmentcompleted,
Followupactionidentifiedandpursued,
asappropriate-6months
TheMoD,Armyandothershaveonseveraloccasionsdeniedthe
authenticityoftheChannel4videoandtheallegationsmadein
it.4AvideowasmadebytheGovernmenttocounterallegations
intheChannel4video.5Insuchacontext,questionsareraised
whethertheMoDandotherGovernmentactorscanconductan
assessmentwhichisindependent.
4.Conductaprofessionallydesignedhousehold
surveycoveringallaffectedfamiliesinallparts
oftheislandtoascertainfirsthandthescaleand
circumstancesofdeathandinjurytocivilians,as
wellasdamagetopropertyduringtheperiodof
theconflict.(LLRC9.37b)
Department of Census & Statist ics
(PresidentialSecretariattooversee)
Mechanismlaunchedtoconductsurvey
ongoing
Suchanexercisecanbeconstructiveinassessingtheimpactof
theconflictbutshouldbedonethroughaprocesswhichis
transparent.Furthermorethepublicshouldbemadeawareof
thisprocess.
5.Implementrecommendationsofpast
CommissionsofInquiry(CoI),particularlythose
AGsDepartment,
DepartmentofPolice
Notimeframehasbeengiventoimplementandcompletethe
activities,otherthantosuggestitison-going.
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6See(below)Activity9,PromotingCommunalHarmonyandDevelopment.
relatingtofurtherinvestigationandprosecution
ofoffendersinvolvedinthedeathof(LLRC
9.120)
a)5studentsinTrincomaleeinJanuary2006b)17aidworkersoftheACFinAugust2006
Recommendationsimplemented
ongoing
Informationshouldbepubliclyavailableregardingtheprogress
madesofar.
Thefindings/recommendationsofthepastCoIsshouldbemade
public.Thisisessentialtomonitorwhetherthe
recommendationsarebeingfullyimplemented.
RegardlessoftherecommendationsofthesaidCoI,itisessential
thatinvestigationsintheabovecasesareconcludedandthe
perpetratorsbroughttojustice.
2.MISSINGPERSONS,ABDUCTIONS,INVOLUNTARY/ENFORCEDDISAPPEARANCES
1.Identifyimpediments,ifany,totheeffective
enforcementofthelaw.Thattheoffencesof
abductions,enforced/involuntary
disappearancesandarbitrarydetentionare
visitedwithserioussanctions.(LLRC9.48)
2.StrengtheninvestigationskillsofPolice.(LLRC
9.48)
3.Strengthenaccesstojustice.(LLRC9.48)
4.EnhancethecapacityofthePolicetoputin
placeamoreeffectivesurveillancemechanism
ofthelocalityincooperationwiththelocal
communityandestablishcommunitypolicing.
(LLRC9.48)
(1)MoD/PoliceDepartment.
Impedimentsidentifiedandremedial
actiontaken6months.
Improvedpolicetrainingmodules12
months.
(2)LegalAidCommission,CBOs,
MinistryofJustice,PoliceDepartment.
Accesstojusticeprogrammesidentifiedandimplementedbyestablishing
communitypolicingunits-12months.
Inlightoftheseriousnessoftheviolationsandtheallegationsof
Stateinvolvementinsomeoftheseviolations,concernsare
raisedwhethertheGovernmentactorsidentifiedcanconduct
independentandeffectiveinvestigations.
Independentactorswithexpertiseinthisareashouldbebrought
inincludingcivilsocietyandcommunitylevelactors.
Themodalitiesofthecommunity-basedpolicingprogrammeare
notspecified.However,theActionPlandoesspecifythataction
willbetakenthroughtheCivilDefenceCommitteeprogramme
ofthePoliceinotherareaswherecommunitypolicinghasbeensuggested.
6
5.Invokethepresentproceduresasavailablein
theCodeofCriminalProcedureswithpriority
Police,AGsDepartment,Ministryof
Justice,InformationandCommunication
TheLLRCrecommendedtheestablishmentofaSpecial
CommissionerofInvestigationstoinvestigatealleged
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7InternationalIndependentGroupofEminentPersons(IIGEP),TheFinalReportoftheIIGEP,15April2008,(Availableat
http://www.ruleoflawsrilanka.org/resources/IIGEPnbspSTM.pdf).
8SeealsoTheNationalActionPlanfortheProtectionandPromotionofHumanRights(NHRAP),P.19.
giventocomplaintspertainingtoalleged
disappearances.(LLRC9.51)
6.Sensitizethepublicwithregardtoavailabilityofthevariousmechanismsthroughthe
GovernmentInformationCentre(GIC)(1919)
andenhancethecapacityofthepresentGICto
entertainthereceiptofinformation.(LLRC9.51)
TechnologyAgency(ICTA)
Thelaunchingofappropriate
mechanismstoinformthepublicofthepresentfacilitiesviathemedia3
months
disappearancesandprovidematerialtotheAGtoinitiate
criminalproceedings(LLRC9.51).Howeverthishasnotbeen
includedintheActionPlan.
Theactivityfailstofullyappreciatethecomplexityand
seriousnessoftheissueofdisappearancesandtherebyidentifies
activitiestoimproveproceduresratherthanaddresstheroot
causesoftheproblemandpracticaldifficultiesfacedbythose
affected.
TheabsenceofaneffectiveVictimandWitnessprotection
legislationhasbeenalongstandingobstacletoconducteffective
investigations.7Intheabsenceofsuchlegislationitisunlikely
thatvictimswouldusetheproceduresetoutintheCodeof
CriminalProceduretooriginatecomplaints.Evenifacomplaintis
made,concernsremainastowhetherwitnesseswouldcome
forwardtotestifyandreprisalstheymayfaceindoingso.8
Thesuggestionthatmembersofthepublic,especiallynextof
kin,beingabletoaccessinformationonmissingindividuals,does
notacknowledgethefullnatureoftheproblem.Itisnotmerely
anissueofcapacityandlackofawarenessintermsofthepublic
astowhichgovernmentinstitution/stogotobutitisalsothe
lackofaccessibility,transparencyandcooperationonthepartof
stateactors.
SeveraloftheactorsidentifiedintheActionPlanareperceivedaspoliticalappointees,therebyraisingquestionsof
independence.ThisisaggravatedbytheAGsdepartmentbeing
underthepurviewoftheExecutiveandtheAGbeingappointed
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9See(below)Activity6,Demobilization,DisarmamentandReintegration/LawandOrder.
bytheExecutive.Thisisfurtherexacerbatedbythelackofa
NationalPoliceCommissionthatisindependentandthe
politicisationofthePolice.
7.Establishanintegrateddatabasetocollate
informationregardingmissingpersons.(LLRC
9.51)
DeptofCensus&Statistics,MoD
Databaseestablishedandinformation
included6months
Thisshouldbetheresponsibilityofthecivilianadministration
withnoroleplayedbythedefenceauthorities.Suchaprocess
shouldbetransparentandinformationprovidedregarding
processandhowthedatacollectedwillbeused.Family
membersshouldbeabletochecktheinformationandefforts
shouldbemadebytheStatetoactontheinformationincluding
informingthenextofkinofthestatusofthecase,includingifthe
individualisingovernmentcustody.
8.Considerestablishinganational,Government
led,multidisciplinarytaskforcetodevelopand
implementacomprehensivechild-tracing
program.(LLRC9.81)
Childconscriptsidentified,rehabilitated
andre-integrated.NoKeyResponsible
AgencyorTimeFrameidentified.
Tracingshouldnotbelimitedtochildconscriptsalonebutshould
beexpandedtoincludeothercaseloadsofmissingchildrenand
missingadults.9
9.Examinetheneedforlegislationtospecifically
criminalizeenforcedorinvoluntary
disappearances,formulateandpresentlawto
Parliament,iflawreformisfoundtobe
necessarywithemphasisontheneedtoimpose
heavytermsofimprisonmentasadeterrent.
(LLRC9.59)
MinistryofJustice,AGsDepartment,
PoliceDepartment
Reviewoflawscompleted,Legislation
draftedandpresentedtoParliament,if
foundnecessary24months.
Whilethisisapositivestepforward,thereneedstobe
recognitionthatintroducinglegislationalonewillnothaltthe
occurrenceofdisappearances.Thereneedstoberecognition
fromtheGovernmentthatitisastructuralproblemrequiring
stepsbeingtakentoconductindependentinvestigationsand
holdingperpetratorstoaccount.
Draftingoflegislationshouldbedonethroughaparticipatory
andtransparentprocesswithsufficienttimetoprovideforcommentsbythepublic.
Timeandspacefordebatingthebillshouldbeprovided,henceit
shouldbemadepublicassoonasitisdraftedforamendments
andlegalchallengeifneedbe.
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Thelegalandpolicyframeworkaddressingthisissueshould
adheretotheinternationalstandardsandpractices.
10.Reviewofprogressofimplementationofthe
RegistrationofDeathsActintermsof
instructionsalreadyissued.Giveadequate
publicityoftheavailabilityofinformation
throughtheGovernments1919facility,to
peopleinconflictaffectedareas(LLRC9.52)
MinistryofPublicAdministration&
HomeAffairs
Instructionsissuedtoimplementthe
provisionsofnewlegislationongoing
ThereshouldbewidepublicityinSinhalaandTamilusingall
formsofmediatoraiseawarenessoftheframeworkand
assistanceavailable.
Localgovernmentofficialsshouldbetrainedtoprovideanswers
tothepublicregardingtheprocess.
Clarificationisneededastoanyimplicationsofnextofkin
obtainingadeathcertificateforsomeonewhohasbeen
disappearedorismissing.
3.DETAINEESANDREHABILITEES
1.DisparitybetweenRecommendationand
Action:ThecitedLLRCrecommendation(LLRC
9.57)callsfortheappointmentofan
IndependentAdvisoryCommitteetomonitor
andexaminedetentionandarrestofpersons
takenintocustodyunderanyregulationsmade
underthePublicSecurityOrdinanceorthe
PreventionofTerrorismAct.TheActionPlan
refersbacktoactivities1,2,3and4ofSection1(InvestigationsintoallegedviolationsofIHL)
MinistryofPublicAdministration&
HomeAffairs
NoTimeFrame
Thereisadisparitybetweentherecommendationandthe
suggestedactivityasthelatterdoesnotcallfortheappointment
oftherecommendedcommittee.
Thesuggestedactivityrefersbacktoactivity1,2,3and4inthe
sectiondealingwithInvestigationsintoallegedviolationsof
IHL.TheseareactivitiesspecifictoIHLandaremeanttobe
undertakenbythemilitaryandMoD.However,inthepresent
instancetheActionPlandesignatestheMinistryofPublicAdministration&HomeAffairsasthekeyresponsibleagency.
Itisunclearhowthesuggestedactivitywillachievetheobjective
oftheLLRCrecommendation.
2.Identifyandestablishproceduresinthe
existingsystemtoaddresstheissueofpersons
beingheldindetentionforlongperiodswithout
charges,completedecisionmakingregarding
AGsDepartment
Processesidentifiedandestablished
Activities2,3and4ofthissectionarepositivemeasures.
ThetimeframeforActivity2isproblematicespeciallyfor
individualswhohavebeenheldindetentionforanumberof
yearsalready.However,itisnotedthatActivities3and4are
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10TheNation,LankadeniesholdinganyTamilpoliticalprisoners,24May2012,lastaccessedon21August2012,(Availableat
http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/6374-lanka-denies-holding-any-tamil-%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%CB%9Cpolitical-
prisoners%C3%A2%E2%82%AC%E2%84%A2.html);MaryamAzwer,NorthAndEastAreHistoricHabitationOfTamilSpeakingPeople-M.A.SumanthiranThe
SundayLeader,3June2012.
11NewsLine,SpecialcourtstobeestablishedtohearcasesagainstLTTEsuspects,24May2012,lastaccessedon21August2012,(Availableat
http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201205/20120524special_courts_be_established.htm).
detaineesthroughadedicatedunitintheAGs
Departmentmandatedtoexaminedetention
cases.(LLRC9.57)
andreductioninthenumberof
detainees24months.
tobecompletedbytheendof2012.
InMay2012thegovernmentpromisedtosetupaspecialunitin
ordertoprocessthebacklogofcaseinrelationtodetaineeswithinonemonth10andtoalsosetupfourspecialhighcourtsin
ordertohearcasesagainstthoseaccusedofbeingformerLTTE
combatants.11Thestatusofinitiativesproposedpreviouslyand
theirconnection,ifany,withthoseproposedactivitiesinthe
ActionPlanisunclear.
3.Formulateaprogrammetodivertsuspects
fromthecriminalprocesstovoluntary
rehabilitationinappropriatecases.(LLRC9.63)
PoliceDepartment&AGsDepartment
Reporttobepublished-End2012
4.Enableindictmentstobefiledinanadditional
numberofcourtstoeasethebacklog.(LLRC
9.63)
MinistryofJustice
Reporttobepublished-End2012
5.Thepresentdatabasecontainingalistof
detaineestobeenhancedwitheasyaccessto
informationbeingavailabletonextofkin.(LLRC9.63)
MoD
Enhanceddatabase6months
Althoughseveralstatementshavebeenmadebythe
Governmenttoindicatethatfamilieswillhaveaccesstosuch
information,problemscontinueinobtaininginformation.Inaddition,thereneedstobeclarityinhowinformationfromthe
databasecanbeobtained,especiallyinlightofthepresent
difficulties.
Thereneedstobeclarityastowhetherfriends,relativesand
legalrepresentativesofmissingpersonswouldhaveaccessto
thisdatabase.
6.Continuecurrentpracticeofinformingnextof
kinregardinglocationofdetaineeandalso
informtheNationalHumanRightsCommission
PoliceDepartment
Acomprehensivelistofnamesand
Reportsindicatethatthisisnotauniformpracticeandshouldbe
adheredtoinallcases.
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ofSriLanka(NHRC).(LLRC9.63)
relevantdataavailabletothenextofkin
on-going
7.Examineandreportonthepracticalapplicationandthefeasibilityofaprocedureto
issueacertificatewhenapersonisdischarged
(sothatthesamepersonisnottakeninto
custodyagain,unlessnewevidenceisdiscovered
againsthim).(LLRC9.63)
AGsDepartment
Reportpublished-End2012
Thiscouldbeapositivestepifproperlyimplementedandadheredto.
8.Reviewthestatusoftheremainderofthe
detaineeswithaviewtoassessingwhether
specialattentiontocertaingroupsorindividuals
isneeded.(LLRC9.68,9.69,9.78&9.82)
CommissionerGeneralofRehabilitation
Statusrequiredtobesubmitted3
months
ThisactivityshouldbedoneincollaborationwiththeAG
Departmentasithasalreadybeentaskedwithasimilaractivity
(Activity2inSection3DetaineesandRehabilitees).Thereshould
beconsultationwithlawyersandcivilsocietygroupsworkingon
thisissue.
4.DEMOBILIZATION,DISARMAMENTANDREINTEGRATION/LAWANDORDER
1.Examinecrimestatisticsandtrendstoidentify
criticalissuestoensurethemaintenanceoflaw
andorderandtakenecessarymeasuresto
improvelawenforcement.(LLRC9.204)
MoD/PoliceDepartment.
Effectivevigilanceanddecreasedin
incidentsofcrimeon-going
TheleadshouldbetakenbythePoliceandinvolveotheractors
includingAGsDepartmentandtheNHRC.
Informationshouldbemadepublic.
2.Ensurestrictenforcementoftheprovisionsof
theOffensiveWeaponsAct/TheFirearmsand
ExplosivesActandthesuccessfulprosecutionoflegalactionagainstoffenders.(LLRC9.204)
PoliceDepartment
Disarmingallpersonsinpossessionofunauthorizedweapons6month
Thisisawelcomemoveandshouldbeimplementedfullywith
theinvolvementoftheAGsdepartment.Questionsariseasto
whethersuchataskcanbecompletedduringtheidentifiedtimeperiodandthereforeconsiderationshouldbegiventoan
extensioninconsultationwiththenecessarystakeholders.
TheAGsdepartmentshouldindictandprosecutealloffenders,
regardlessofbackgroundandpoliticalconnections.
EvenwhiletheActionPlanclaimsallillegalarmedgroupsareno
longeroperative,therehasbeennopublicinformationregarding
thedisbandingofthesegroupsandthedemobilisationand
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12See(above)Activity8,Missing,Abductions,Involuntary/EnforcedDisappearances.
disarmamentofthemembersofthesegroups.Doingsowould
ensuretheimplementationoftheLLRCrecommendationcalling
forthedisarmingofillegalarmedgroupsasperLLRCInterimand
FinalRecommendation.(LLRC9.74)
3.Conductinvestigations(includingallegations
relatedtoBhareti,Karuna,EPDPextortion,anda
gangledbyapersoncalledMajorSeelan)
speedilyandensurethattheRuleofLawprevails
havingdueregardtotheguaranteeoftheequal
protectionofthelaw.(LLRC9.213)
PoliceDepartment,AGsDepartment,
MinistryofJustice
Increasedrateofsuccessful
prosecutions6months.
Unclearwhatistobeachievedduring6months.Whetherit
providesonlyforinvestigationstobeconductedorwhether
prosecutionscanalsotakeplacewithin6months.
ThereshouldalsobeactiontakenwithothercrimesacrossSri
LankaincludingintheSouthwherepoliticiansaffiliatedwiththe
rulingpartyareinvolved.
4.SetupunitsoftheAGsDepartmentinthe
ProvincesandformulateTermsofReference
(ToRs)forthemtoguideandadvisethepolice
regardingcriminalinvestigations,prosecutions
andothermatterstouchinguponthecriminal
justicesystem.(LLRC9.212)
AGsDepartment
EnhancedcapacityofAGsdepartment
units12months
Awelcomestepandshouldbeimplementedimmediately.
5.Includerelevantmodulesinthetraining
programmesforPoliceOfficersandenhance
capacityoftheTrainersofthePoliceTraining
College.(LLRC9.212)
PoliceDepartment
Improvementinthequalityof
investigationsandgreatersuccessin
prosecutionandageneralimprovement
inthecriminaljusticesystemNoTime
Frame
Awelcomeactionbutmoreinformationneedstobeprovided
withstepsthatareproposedincludingtimeframe.
6.Investigateinstanceswherethereisprima
facieevidenceofconscriptionofchildrenas
combatantsandensurethatoffendersare
broughttojustice.(LLRC9.79)
Investigationscompleted.
NoKeyResponsibleAgencyidentified
Althoughthisactivityislistedashavingbeencompleted,thereis
noinformationpubliclyavailableonthestatusofprosecutions
andanyoffenderswhohavebeenbroughttojustice.This
informationshouldbepubliclyavailable.
Thereisalsonomentionofanyfollowupaction,ifany.12
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5.DEMILITARISATION
1.FormulatePlanforfurtherreducing
involvementofSecurityForcesincivilianwork.(95%alreadywithdrawnfromcivilianduties)
havingregardtotheexperiencesofthe
reconciliationprogrammes.(LLRC9.171and
9.227)
MoD
Amarkedreductionorwithdrawalofsecurityforcepersonnelfromcivil
activities6months
Thisisessentialforreconciliationbutalsoforrestorationof
normalcy.Questionsthoughremainonhowthefigure(95%)wascalculated?
2.Identifyandremoveimpediments,ifany,that
hindernormalciviladministrationandreview
progressatthemonthlyGovernmentAgents
(GAs)conferenceconductedbytheMinistryof
PublicAdministration.(LLRC9.195)
MinistryofPublicAdministration&
HomeAffairs
Allimpediments,ifanyremovedand
normalciviladministrationrestored12
months
Broadscopeofimpedimentscanbereviewedunderthis
recommendationbutgivenoverlapwithrecommendation
above,thereisalackofclarityastohowthesetwoprocesses
willfunctioninparallel.
3.Consequenttothereviewofthe2existing
HSZsinPallaliandTrincomalee-Sampur,aswell
assmallextentsofprivatelandcurrentlyutilized
forsecuritypurposesbeingcompleted(LLRC
9.142)
a)Releaselandswherepossible;
b)Takestepstore-locateortopay
compensationunderapplicableStatutes(Land
AcquisitionAct).
MoD
Landsreleasedon-going
MinistryofLands
Re-locationcompleted6months
Compensationpaid3years
Provideanswersonthelegalbasisfortheoccupationasthereis
nolegalframeworkjustifyingthepresenceofHSZsinSriLanka.
TheGovernmentshouldprovidealistofalloccupationbythe
military.EventhoughtheLLRCrecommendationdoesnotrefer
topubliclandtheGovernmentshouldprovideaplanfora
phasedwithdrawalfromcivilianandpublicproperties.In
exceptionalcircumstancestheGovernmentshouldacquiresuch
propertiesfortheuseofthesecurityforcesandinthecaseof
privatepropertiesprovideduecompensation.Military
occupationshouldbeanexceptionandnotthenorm.
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13SeeRohanEdrisinhaandAruniJayakody(eds),The18
thAmendmenttotheConstitution:SubstanceandProcess,CPA,2011.
14See(below)Activity3,IssuestobedealtwithbytheproposedPSC.
15Supran.13.
6.INDEPENDENTINSTITUTIONS
1.Independentpolicecommission.(LLRC9.215)
ANationalPoliceCommissionhas
alreadybeenestablished
Concernsareraisedwhetheranyofthesocalledindependent
institutionsareineffectindependentduetotheprovisionsof
theEighteenthAmendmenttotheConstitution.13
TheActionPlandoesnotrefertootherrecommendationsand
suggestionssuchasthepolicecommissionsroleinpromotions
(LLRC9.215)andalsodisciplinaryactionagainstpoliceofficersin
casesoftorture.
TherecommendationsrelatingtodelinkingthePolicefromthe
MoDisreferredtoabove.14
2.Reviewsprovisionsofexistinginstitutionsto
addresscitizensgrievancesandtoidentifyandintroduceadditionalandmoreeffective
measures,mechanismsandamendmentstolaws
tostrengthencitizengrievancemechanisms.
(LLRC9.218and9.219)
PresidentialSecretariat,MoD,
AGsDepartment,MinistryofJustice
Reportsubmittedbymajorstakeholders
totheCabinetofMinisters6months
Thisisanimportantrecommendationbutquestionsremain
whetherimplementationcanbeeffective.
Whilststrengtheningalreadyexistingmechanismsiswelcome,
becauseofthelackofclarityastowhichmechanismswillbe
reviewedandwhetherfollowupactionwilltakeplace,concerns
remainoverwhetherimportantinstitutionssuchastheNHRC
willbeoverlookedorwhethertherecommendationsmadeto
theCabinetwillbeimplemented.
3.IndependentPublicServiceCommissiontobe
establishedtoensureequalityforallandavoid
politicalinterference.(LLRC9.226)
Completed. Concernsareraisedwhetheranyofthesocalledindependent
institutionsareineffectindependentduetotheprovisionsof
theEighteenthAmendmenttotheConstitution.15
4.ImplementtheNationalHumanResources
Policytobringaboutattitudinalchangethrough
OfficeoftheSeniorMinisterforHR
development.
Inprincipleapositiveactionbutmoreinformationrequiredasto
whatthisentailsandwhethertheactioncanbecompleted
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trainingprogramstoenhancetheworkethicof
thepublicservice.(LLRC9.224)
HumanResourcesPlanofAction
formulatedandimplementation
commenced3months
withinthreemonths.
7.RESETTLEMENTOFINTERNALLYDISPLACEDPERSONS(IDPS),REFUGEES&OTHERCONFLICTAFFECTED
1.DisparitybetweenRecommendationand
Action:WhilethecitedLLRCRecommendation
(LLRC9.92)callsfortheestablishmentofan
Inter-AgencyTaskForcemandatedtoaddressin
acomprehensivemannertheneedsofwomen,
children,elderlyandothervulnerablegroups
suchasdisabledaffectedbyconflict,andprovidenecessaryrelief,theactionistoimplementthe
activitiesintheNationalHumanRightsAction
Plan(NHRAP).
AscontainedintheNHRAPon-going
Thereisadisparitybetweentherecommendationandthe
action,includingthatintheNHRAPthereisnoreferenceofan
Inter-AgencyTaskForce,insteaditcallsforaNationalPolicyon
Displacement.
Therehasbeenlittlepublicinformationtothepubliconthe
implementationoftheNHRAPwhichwasapprovedbytheCabinetinSeptember2011apartfromtheappointmentofa
CabinetSub-Committeetomonitortheimplementationofthe
NHRAPinFebruary2012.
NoreferenceintheActionPlanastowhowilltaketheleadin
thisactivityandhowlongitwouldtaketocompletethetask.
Sincetheactivityislistedasongoing,informationonprogress
madesofarshouldbesharedwiththepubliconaregularbasis.
Whoistodecidewhatshouldbeclassifiedasnecessaryrelief?
TheLLRCrecommendedthatlivelihoodassistanceshouldbe
providedforIDPswhohavebeenresettledandareinthe
processofrebuildingtheirlivesasitisstillnecessarytopay
attentiontotheircontinuingneeds.(LLRC9.1019.103and
9.143).Theneedforactiononlivelihoods,housingand
assistanceforvulnerablegroupsamongthedisplacedis
highlightedintheNHRAP.
2.GrantownershipoflandtoIDPsunderLand
CircularNo.2011/4of22.07.2011andcreate
MinistryofLands
WhilethereisanurgentneedtoaddressthelandrightsofIDPs
themeasuressuggestedbytheActionPlanpertainto
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16See(below)Activity5,IssuesRelatingtoLand.
awarenessamongIDPsaboutpolicies(with
regardtotheareasthatareavailableforpeople
toresettle)andtheoptionsavailabletothem.
(LLRC9.104and9.106)
Circularimplementedongoing
Awarenessprogrammesconducted6
months
implementingtheLandCircularwhichwaswithdrawnbythe
GovernmentinJanuary2012asaresultofacasefiled
challengingthecircular.16
3.TwoseparateActionPointscallingforthe
formulationofapolicyontheissueofMuslim
IDPs(displacedfromtheNorthernProvince)and
implementingthepolicy.(LLRC9.113and9
.195).
InoneactionpointthePresidentialTask
ForcefortheNorthandEast(PTFforthe
N&E)istoformulateandimplementa
policyina9monthtimespanbutin
anotheractionpointtheMinistryof
ResettlementandthePTFforN&Eisto
publishthereportidentifyingthe
requirementswithrecommendationsfor
theresettlementandreintegrationof
thedisplacedMuslimsin18months.
Duplicationofanactionpointandtwodifferenttimelinesfor
onegeneralactionofdevisingapolicyandimplementingit.
Itisextremelyimportanttodevisesolutionstofacilitate
NorthernMuslimreturnandreintegrationandthetimeframeof
18monthssuggeststhatthereisrecognitionthattheissueis
complexandquickfixapproachisnottheanswer.
Whileconsideringsolutions,itisalsoimportanttoconsiderthe
followingissues-
Return,rehabilitationandreintegrationofalldisplaced?WouldIDPs,hostcommunitiesandgroupsworkingwiththese
groupsbeconsultedintheprocess?
WhyisthePTFinvolvedinthisactivity,especiallysincethereis
nopublicinformationonitsToRorastohowlongitwillcontinue
tofunction?
4.Formulatepolicywithregardtorefugeesin
India(LLRC9.108)
5.Conductbi-lateraldiscussionswithIndiaintermsofpolicy(LLRC9.108)
MinistryofLands,MinistryofExternal
Affairs(MEA),MinistryofResettlement,
MoD
MEA,MoDBi-lateraldiscussionsheldanddecisions
implemented24months
Theformulationofpolicyshouldalsoinvolvenon-governmental
actorswhohavebeeninvolvedinsupportingrefugeesinIndia
andrepresentativesofaffectedcommunities.
ThereisconfusionintheterminologyusedastheActionPlancallsforactionwithregardstoIDPsinIndia(i.e.refugees).
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8.ISSUESRELATINGTOLAND
1.Conductastudytoascertainwhether
practicesinfringeonthelegalrightofanycitizen
ofSriLankatoacquirelandinanypartofthe
countryandtakeappropriatestepstoremove
infringements(ifanyexist)(LLRC9.124)
2.Effectiveimplementationofthepolicyonland
usewithaviewtoidentifyingappropriatestate
landavailableforsettlement.(LLRC9.124)
MinistryofLand
Acompletedstudyofthealienationof
statelandwithspecificreferencetothe
NorthernandEasternProvince12
months
Astudyonthealienationofstatelandisnecessaryinthepost-
warcontextbutanumberofquestionsariseincluding-
DoestheMinistryofLandshavethecapacitytoconductsucha
study?
Willcivilsociety,communitiesandotherswithexpertisebe
involvedinthisprocess?
Itisalsounclearwhichpolicyisbeingreferredtointermsofland
use,andifitistheLandUsePolicydevelopedin2007(see
below).Policyformulationshouldbeconductedinatransparent
andparticipatorymanner,providingasmuchinformationas
possibletothepubliconprocessandoutcome.
3.ProvideMinistryofLandswithresourcestopreparetheLandUsePlanforNorthandEast.
ActingundertheLandUsePolicyadoptedin
2007,developLandUsePlanfortheNorthand
East.(LLRC9.151)
MinistryofFinanceandMinistryofPublicAdministration
Budgetaryprovisionsmadeavailableto
andstaffprovidedtoMinistryof
MinistryofLand
LandUsePlanforNorthernandEastern
ProvincesdevelopedLands36months
Shouldbewelcomedandtheinvolvementofcivilsocietyandothersatthedistrictlevelshouldbeincluded.
4.Ensureeffectiveimplementationofstatutes,
i.e.TheStateLandsOrdinance,LandDevelopmentOrdinance(LDO),LandGrants(Sp.
Provisions)Act.(LLRC9.124)
PTFfortheN&E
WhyisthePTFtoplayaroleinthisprocess,especiallyinlightof
concernsraisedregardingthelackofinformationonitsToRanddurationofoperation?
Whilewelcomingeffectiveimplementationofstatues,due
attentionshouldbegiventoamendingparticularsectionsof
existinglegislationincludingLDOandPrescriptionOrdinance.
ThisshouldbeconductedbytheMinistryofLandin
collaborationwiththeMinistryofJusticeandLegalDraftsmans
Office.
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17See(below)Activity2,IssuesTobeDealtwithbytheproposedParliamentarySelectCommittee.
5.Carryoutawarenessprogrammeand
implementcircularNo2011/4of22.07.2011
MinistryofLand6monthsfor
awarenessraisingandimplementationis
on-going.
TheLandCircularwaswithdrawnbytheGovernmentinJanuary
2012asaresultofacasefiledchallengingit.InJuly2012,the
Governmentconfirmedthisundertakingtocourt.Therefore
questionsareraisedastohowthisactivityisbeingimplemented
whenthecircularhasbeenwithdrawn.
TheActionPlanmakesreferencetoimplementingtheCircularin
multipleactionpointsandinoneofthesestatesthatthetime
frameforimplementationbeing3months.(9.140)
Sincetheimplementationislistedaso-ngoing,information
shouldbesharedonthestatusofprogressmade,ifany.
6.Ensureimplementationofprovisionsofthe
CircularoftheMinistryofLandswhichapply
strictcontrolstopreventanyalienationofStatelandotherthanforIDPsuntiltheproposed
Programmeisimplemented.(LLRC9.140)
MinistryofLand
Implementationofcircular3months
UnclearwhetherthisisinreferencetotheLandCircular
pertainingtotheNorthandEastwhichwaswithdrawn.Ifso,the
continuedreferencetoacircularwhichhasbeenwithdrawnisproblematic.
7.Evaluatetheneedforanexternalpartnerto
supporttheprogrammeandformulateaproject
proposalifexternalresourcesarefoundtobe
needed.Secureassistanceasappropriate,if
feasible.(LLRC9.141)
MinistryofLands,Ministryof
Resettlement,DepartmentofNational
Planning
Areportdealingwithactivities3
months
UnclearwhethertheprogrammementionedisthatoftheLand
Circular.Ifthisisthecase,developmentpartnersandothers
shouldbeawarethatthematterisbeforecourtandthereisan
undertakinggivenincourttowithdrawthecircular
8.Appointa4thLandCommissionwithTermsof
referencesimilartothepreviousthree(i.e.1927,
1936and1985)torecommendpolicytoaddress
issues.(LLRC9.124)
MinistryofLand
AppointLandCommission24months
Whyappointa4thLandCommissionwhenthefirststepshould
betoestablishtheNLCasprovidedinthe13thAmendment?The
ActionPlansuggeststheestablishmentoftheNLCshouldbe
takenupbythePSC.17
MakepublictheToRsofthepreviousLandCommissions.
Theprocessofpolicyformulationshouldbetransparentand
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18SeeACommentaryonNewGovernmentLandPolicyInitiatives,B.FonsekaandM.Raheem,LandIntheNorthernProvince;PostwarPolitics,Policyand
Practices,CPA,December2011.
participatory.
9.Theproposed4thLandCommissionto
considerthefeasibilityofimplementingthe
followingrecommendationswhichwere
proposedtoensurethatthelandpolicyandthe
associatedProgrammeproposedinJuly2011is
effectivelyimplemented;
9.126-Assurepeoplethroughapublicityeffort
that the Programme seeks to make available
land to all returning IDPs as expeditiously as
possible andis nota substitutefor recourse to
the Courts of Law where people are in
possessionof validlegalproof oftheir claimto
thelandinquestion
9.128-Providetheneededhumanandfinancial
resources
9.129 -Supervise civil administration officers
tasked with the implementation of the
Programme by respective Government Agents
and monitor implementation quality at the
nationallevelbytheLandCommissionerGeneral
9.131- Organize a well-plannedmedia seminar
on the Programme to enable the Media to
project an accurate and clear v iew of the
Programme
9.132 -Conduct well des igned tra ining
MinistryofLand
Implementationoftheactivitiesin
keepingwiththefindingsofthe4thLand
Commission24months.
ThissectionseemstoindicatethattheLandCircularchallenged
incourtandsubsequentlywithdrawnistobeimplemented.This
isproblematicastherewasanundertakinggivenbytheState
thatthesaidcircularwillbewithdrawn.Thisundertakingwas
giveninJanuary2012andtheundertakingwasreinforcedbythe
AGsDepartmentinJuly2012.CPArecognizesthataprogramme
addressinglandissuesisneededinthepostwarcontextbut
shouldbedoneadheringtonationalandinternationallaws.
TherecommendationsprovidedintheActionPlanarelargely
positive,includingrestrictingthemilitarysroleintheprocessto
thereleaseoflanditiscurrentlyutilizing,andshouldbeincluded
inanewcircular.18
Itisalsonotcleartheexactpurposeofthe4
thLandCommission
examiningthefeasibilityoftheserecommendations,ifthe
circularistobeimplementedinparallel.
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programmes for all officers and community
leadersselectedforvariousCommittees
9.133-Launch a well-designed, communicationcampaign in simpleTamil andSinhala language
to help displaced persons come forward to
benefitfromtheProgramme
9.134 -Confine the participation of security
forces officers to expediting the release of
maximum extents of lands being utilized for
securitypurposes
9.135,136-Organizeandholdawell-publicized
CommunityConsultationMeetingineach
DistrictSecretariatareapriortothelaunchoftheFirstCommitteeinvestigationprocess.
Establishamechanismtorapidlyconsider
constructivesuggestionsmadethroughthis
process
10.Formulateapolicytodealwiththeissueof
settlements.(LLRC9.124)
MinistryofLand
Policyformulated-12months
Apolicyonsettlementsiswelcomebutshouldbedraftedin
consultationandcollaborationwithcivilsocietyandotherswith
expertiseonlandandreturnissues.Thepolicyshouldreiterate
thatprivatelandswillnotbeusedforgovernmentsettlement
schemes.
9.RESTITUTIONANDCOMPENSATION
1.Examinetheissuesthataffecttheeffective
implementationoftheREPIA(RehabilitationOf
Persons,PropertiesAndIndustriesAuthority)
andtakeappropriateactiontodealwithissues
identified.(LLRC9.155)
MinistryofRehabilitationandPrisons
Reforms
ReportonREPIAreceivedactiontaken
andissuesresolvedongoing
Therecommendationiswelcome.TheActionPlanstatesthatthe
activitiesareon-going.TheGovernmentshouldmakethereport
andon-goingactivitiespublicandincludeallstakeholders
includingcivilsocietyinsuchprocess.
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19See(above)Demobilization,DisarmamentandReintegration/LawandOrder.
2.Providefundsforpaymentofcompensation
basedonanacceptablevictimidentification
process.(LLRC9.155)
MinistryofFinanceandPlanning
ongoing
Therecommendationiswelcome.TheActionPlanstatesthatthe
activitiesareon-going.
Informationshouldbealsomadepubliclyavailableastothe
criteriatobeusedfortheprocessandforwhatdisastersand
problemscompensationwillbeprovidedfor.Theprocessof
drawingupcriteriashouldalsobemademoreconsultative.
3.Examinegovernmentpolicytoidentifywhat
disqualificationsexistforpublicservantswhen
accessingassistanceprovidedbyNon
GovernmentalOrganizations(NGOs)and
determineandintroduceprovisionstoensure
equitableassistance.(LLRC9.162)
MinistryofPublicAdministration
Policyexaminedandproblemareas
identified(ifany)newpolicy
determined,ifnecessary3months
TheGovernmentshouldengageinawiderprocessforreviewof
disasterrelief.
4.DisparitybetweenRecommendationandAction:TheActionPlancallsforacontinuation
withGovernmentprogrammeforthe
rehabilitationandre-integrationofex-
combatantsandareconciliationprogrammefor
thenextofkin,whilethecitedLLRC
recommendationcallsforcompensationfor
deathandinjuryofthoseinvolvedwiththeLTTE.
(LLRC9.164)
MinistryofResettlement,PTFN&E
Theeffectiveimplementationofthe
reliefprogrammesgrantingreliefto
thosenextofkinaffectedbydeathor
injuryasadirectresultoftheconflict
24months
WhiletheLLRCrecommendationisspecifictothosewhowereinvolvedwiththeLLTE,theactivityproposedintheActionPlan
appearstobemuchbroader.
Thereneedstobeclarityastowhetherthiscompensationis
availabletoallvictims,includingcombatants.19
10.LANGUAGEISSUES
1.FormulateanActionPlantoensureeffective
implementationoftheLanguagepolicy.(LLRC
9.2459.247,9.249)
2.ExaminetheroleoftheOfficialLanguages
MinistryofNationalLanguagesand
SocialIntegration,PresidentialTask
ForceonTrilingualSociety
ProgrammeofMinistrypre-datestheLLRC.
Timelinenotprovidedbutnotedasanon-goingactivity.
GiventhattheInterimRecommendationsincludedsuggestions
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20SeeNHRAPp23,29and42.
21SeealsoBhavaniFonseka,LuwieGaneshathasanandMirakRaheem,ShortTermBenchmarksforPeaceandReconciliationinPost-WarSriLanka(Short
TermBenchmarks),CPA,30May2012,Recommendation10.g.
22SeeShortTermBenchmarks,Recommendation10.d.
Commissionandidentifyareasthatneed
strengthening.Includeremedialstepstobe
taken,intheActionPlan.(LLRC9.248)
3.ImplementrecommendationsofthePresidentialTaskForceonTrilingualSocietyby
2020.(LLRC9.2459.247,9.249)
4.Designamonitoringandevaluationplanto
assesswhethertheprogrammesimplemented
areeffectiveandwhetherthereiscompliance
withpolicy.(LLRC9.2459.247,9.249)
EffectiveMonitoringofthe
implementationoftheTrilingual
Initiativeon-going
onlanguageissues,includingtheneedtohaveinterpretersin
policestationsitwouldbeusefulfortheGovernmenttoprovide
aprogressreportonhowfartheserecommendationshavebeen
implemented.
ThereisanoverlapwiththeNHRAPwhichincludessimilar
activitieswithaoneyeartimeframe.20
Questionofcitizenparticipationisignoredandcommunitylevel
Implementation.(LLRC9.241)21
InadditionitisimportanttheGovernmentdocumentsincluding
circulars,gazettes,regulationsandnoticesshouldbetranslated
intoSinhalaandTamil.22
5.MonitorobservanceoflanguagerightsrecognizedintheConstitutionandidentify
additionalremedialmeasuresrequiredtoensure
observanceoflanguagerightsandsuggest
remedialmeasures.(LLRC9.2459.247,9.249,
9.250)
MinistryofNationalLanguagesandSocialIntegration
Monitoringactivitycompleted12
months
Additionalremedialmeasuresidentified
andimplemented24months
Thisactivitycouldbeincludedwithrecommendation9.250.
11.FREEDOMOFSPEECH,ASSOCIATIONANDASSEMBLY,ANDMOVEMENT
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1.Takeappropriateactiontoensuremedia
freedom(LLRC9.115ac);
(a)Pursuitofgrievancemechanisms-
ComplaintstoPolice,FRApplicationstoSC,
ComplaintstoPressCouncil(withawider
jurisdictionandenhancedpowers)
(b)ComplaintstoNPCagainstPoliceinaction.
MinistryofMassMedia&Information
Effectiveredresstogrievancesofmedia
personnel12months
Therehavebeenseveralcaseswhereinvestigationsintoattacks
onjournalistsandmediainstitutions,assassinationsand
disappearancesofjournalistshavenotresultedinthe
perpetratorsbeingarrestedandprosecuted.Mostofthese
investigationshavebeenon-goingforseveralyears.TheLLRC
recommendedthatinvestigationsshouldbeexpeditiously
concludedsothatoffendersarebroughttobookwithoutdelay
andtheimpositionofdeterrentpunishmentforsuchoffencesso
astobuildthepublicconfidenceinthesystemofjustice.
HowevertheActionPlandoesnotrecommendanyspecific
actiontoachievetheserecommendations.
Theabsenceofanindependentpolicecommissionandthe
politicisationofthepolice.
2.Completeinvestigationsintocurrentcases
(LLRC9.115ac)
PoliceDepartment
InvestigationscompletedNoTime
Framegiven.
3.NocorrespondingLLRCRecommendation
Promoteresponsiblejournalismandconsidera
codeofconductforjournalists.
PressCouncil
NoTimeFramegiven.
Thisisanactionthathasnocorrespondingrecommendationin
theLLRCFinalReport.
Concernthattheactivityrelatingtopromotingresponsible
journalismmayleadtostatecontroloverfreemedia.
4.Identifyimpedimentstofreemovementof
mediapersonnelintheNorthandEastandtake
appropriateactiontoremoveimpediments(if
any)(LLRC9.115d)
MinistryofMassMediaand
Information,
PoliceDepartment
Impedimentsidentified(ifany)andall
impediments,ifany,removed6months
Positivemeasurebutlackofclarityifthisisforbothnationaland
internationalmedia.
Ifanyimpedimentsremainaftertheperiodof6months,these
shouldbemadepublicwithreasonsgivenastowhysuch
impedimentsremain.
5.Enactlegislationtoensuretherightto
information(LLRC9.115e)
MinistryofMassMediaandInformation
CabinetofMinisterstodecidethe
suitabletimeframefordrafting
legislationtobeconfirmed
Itshouldbenotedthatthedraftlegislationonrightto
informationhasbeendiscussedsince2003withrepeated
promisesonthepartoftheGovernmenttoenactsuch
legislation.HowevertheActionPlandoesnotdiscloseanytime
framefortheenactmentofthislegislation.
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6.Identifyandremoveanyremaining
restrictionsonvisitingplacesofworship(LLRC
9.117)
MinistryofReligiousAffairs
Restrictionsifany,removed12months
Apositivemeasure.
7.MonitormonthlyatGovernmentAgents
conference,whetherthereareconstraintstothe
freedomofpeople,communityleaders,and
religiousleadersorganizingpeacefuleventsand
meetings(LLRC9.118)
MinistryofPublicAdministration
Mainindicator-zerocomplaintsre
inabilitytoorganizeeventson-going
TheGovernmentshouldhaveanopenforumatthedistrictlevel
wherestakeholderscanraiseanyproblemsonaregularbasis.
8.Identifywhetherthereareunduerestrictions
tovisitorsfromoverseastovisittheirfriendsand
relativesinrecentlyresettledareasandremove
suchrestrictions(LLRC9.119)
MoD,PoliceDepartment,respective
GAs
Theformulationofareportwhich
confirmsthatnosuchrestrictionexists
6months
Thisactivityshouldbedrivenbytheciviladministrationandthe
reportmadepublic.
Thereisaneedtoalsolookatrestrictionsfacedbycitizensin
general.
TheKPIprejudgestheoutcomeofthereport.
9.Identifyandremoveunnecessaryobstacles
thatimpedefreemovementontheA9(ifany)
(LLRC9.195)
MoD
Unnecessaryimpediments(ifany)
removed2months
Whatstepswillbetakenininstanceswherethesecurityforces
maybethesourceofsomeoftheseobstacles?
AstheLLRCnotestheproblemoffreedomofmovementisa
broaderissuenotjustrelatedtotheA9.(LLRC9.116)
12.ISSUESTOBEDEALTWITHBYTHEPROPOSEDPARLIAMENTARYSELECTCOMMITTEE
1.Todevelopaconsensusondevolutionwithall
politicalpartiesandthoserepresenting
minoritiesinparticular.(LLRC9.236and9.237)
PresidentialSecretariat
RefertoPSC
TimeframeN/A
Theissueofdevisingaconsensusonthepoliticalsolutionisa
complexchallenge.ThePSCthatwasproposedbythe
Governmenthasnotyetbeenconstitutedandkeypolitical
partieshaveyettoagreetosubmitnomineeswiththeTNAin
particularobjectingtothePSCby-passingtheGovernment-TNA
talks.
2.Providerecommendationsforestablishinga
NationalLandCommission(NLC).(LLRC9.150)
PresidentialSecretariat,Ministryof
Lands
WhyshouldthisissuebeforwardedtotheproposedPSC?The
NLCasprovidedintheThirteenthAmendmenttothe
Constitutionshouldbeandcanbeimmediatelyconstituted
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23See(above)Activity1,IndependentInstitutions.
ProposalincludedinToRofPSC-Time
FrameTobeconfirmed
withoutdelayingthematterthroughaPSC.
3.Arriveatabi-partisanunderstandingthat
restitutionoflandisanationalissueandwillnot
beusedasatoolbypoliticalpartiestogain
narrowpoliticaladvantage.(LLRC9.152)
PresidentialSecretariat
RecommendationreferredtoPSC.on-
going
Thisisanimportantissuebutthereisaquestionastowhythis
issueshouldbereferredtotheproposedPSC.
Accordingtothetimelinetheactivityison-goingbutthereis
littleinformationinthepublicrealmregardinganyprogress
made.
4.De-linkPoliceDepartmentfrominstitutions
dealingwitharmedservices.(LLRC9.214)
Recommendationreferredtoproposed
PSC
TimeframeN/A
Questionsareraisedastowhythisissueshouldbetakenupby
theproposedPSCwhenthisisadecisionthatcanbemadeby
theincumbentgovernment.
Inlightoftheconcernsraisedwiththeintroductionofthe
EighteenthAmendment,theindependenceofthePolice
Commissioninquestion.23
5.Establishaconstitutionalprovisionforjudicial
reviewoflegislation.Reachaconsensusonan
appropriateconstitutionalamendmentto
provideforanadequatetimeframetochallenge
proposedlegislation.(LLRC9.228)
PresidentialSecretariat
RefertoPSC
TimeframeN/A
Thisiswelcomeandmuchneededtoensurethattheprocessof
law-makingisinkeepingwithgoodgovernanceprinciplesandto
avoidthepassingandimplementationofunjustandunfair
legislation.
Itisnotclearwhythisdecisionneedstobedeferredtothe
proposedPSC.
TheLLRCsrecommendationfortheneedtoreviewUrgentBill
isnotincludedinthepresentActionPlan(LLRC9.228).This
shouldbeaddressed.
6.Examinetheimplementationofthe
recommendationtomaintainandsupport
currentpracticeoftheNationalAnthembeing
sungsimultaneouslyintwolanguagesvisavis
thecurrentconstitutionalprovisions.(LLRC
PresidentialSecretariat
Theimplementationofthe
recommendationsofthePSC1year
UnclearwhythePSCshouldlookatthisissue,whenthe
Governmentcantakeadecisiononthis.
Ifatall,thePresidentialSecretariatshouldtakeresponsibilityof
monitoringtocheckwhetherobstaclestoitbeingsunginboth
officiallanguages,especiallygiventhattheobstacleshavebeen
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9.277) fromstateactors.
13.PROMOTINGCOMMUNALHARMONYANDDEVELOPMENT
1.Examinethecurrentpolicyinadmitting
studentstouniversitieswithaviewto
recommendinganychangesthatwouldimprove
thecriteriaforadmissions.(LLRC9.251)
UniversityGrantsCommission(UGC),
MinistryofHigherEducation
ExpertCommitteesEstablished12
months
Positivemeasurebutlackoffollowupaction.
2.Upgradefacilitiesinschoolsisland-wide
throughimplementingthecurrentprogrammes
inkeepingwiththeMahindaChintanaya.(LLRC
9.252)
MinistryofEducation
Upgradingofeducationalfacilitiesin
schools36months
Itmaybemorepracticabletohaveminimumstandardsrather
thanassumeequalityinfacilitiescanbeachieved.
Giventhatthisisanon-goingprogrammeitmaybeusefulfor
morepublicinformationastowhereitcurrentlystands.
3.Formulateapolicythatwould
encourageethnicallymixedschoolsandensure
thatschoolsincludeprogrammestopromote
inter-communityinteractions.(LLRC9.253and
9.254)
MinistryofEducation
Theestablishmentofapolicy
encouragingethnicallymixedschools
andinter-communityexchanges24
months
Positivemeasure.
4.ImplementactivitiesidentifiedintheNHRAPtoprovidecomprehensive,island-widehuman
rightseducationprogrammestargetingthe
schoolchildren,youth,membersoftheSecurity
Forces,andthePoliceetc.andformulatea
moduleforinclusioninsecondaryschool
curriculum.(LLRC9.60)
NHRC,MinistryofEducation,ArmedForces,
InspectorGeneralofPolice,
NationalInstituteofEducation
ImplementationofNHRAPmonitored
andModuleformulatedandincludedin
curriculum-Governedbythetime
frameaspertheNHRAP.
Thisshouldbedonewiththeinvolvementofcivilsocietyandindividualswithexpertiseinthearea.
Atimeframeshouldbeidentifiedtoimplementthisactivity.In
theNHRAPthereisanawarenessraisingamongdutybearersfor
whichthereisnospecifictimeframe,insteaditstatesthe
programmeison-goingandthetimefordevelopingthemodules
is3months.
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5.Whilethepresentpolicycatersadequatelyto
thepolicyofensuringpublicuniversitieshave
ethnicallymixedstudentpopulationswitha
choiceofcoursesofferedinallthreelanguages,
agroupofexpertstobemobilizedtoconsider
thepresentsystemandrecommendanychanges
thatwouldpromotethetrilingualprocess.(LLRC
9.257)
UGC,
MinistryofHigherEducation
Identificationofagroupofexperts12
months.
Anumberofcommissionsandcommitteerelatingtoeducation
havesubmittedreportswhichhavenotyetbeenimplemented.
Thusthiscouldbeyetanothercommitteeandreportwithno
action.
Notimelineforimplementingfindings.
6.Presently,nationalcompetitionsensureisland
wideparticipationininter-provincialand
nationalsportscompetitions.However,a
programmecouldbeimplementedtoactively
promotesportsintheformerconflictareas.
(LLRC9.258)
MinistryofSports
Numberofsuchcompetitions
successfullyconductedisthemain
indicatoron-going
Positivestepbutchallengesremainregardingcapacityto
implementsuchaprogrammelackofclarityontheprogramme.
7.Formulateandimplementprogrammeto
harnesstheuntappedpotentialoftheexpatriate
community,throughSriLankanoverseas
Missions.(LLRC9.261and9.263)
MinistryofExternalAffairs
Programmeformulated3months
Programmeimplemented3months
Positivefocusondiasporaandinclusionofcivilsociety.
8.Assesstheimpactofexistingprogrammesto
improvethehealth,educationandhousing
facilitiesfortheestatesector,toidentifyareas
thatrequireimprovementandrevise
programmestomakeinterventionsmore
effective.
MinistryofHealth,
MinistryEducation,
MinistryPlantationIndustries,
MinistryChildDevelopment&Womens
Affairs
Thepublicationofareportindicating
theeffectivenessofexisting
programmes-6months
Lackoftimelineforimplementingfindingsofthereport.Also
broaderrangeofproblemsfacedbyUp-CountryTamilsincluding
documentationandlandrightsneedtobetakenup.
9.DisparitybetweenRecommendationand
Action.TheLLRCrecommendationscallsfor
establishingamechanism,inconsultationwith
inter-faithgroupsthatcanserveasanearly
warninganddiffusingsystem.TheActionPlan
PoliceDepartment
Implementationofsuchprogrammes
andwidepublicityofsuchprogrammes
6months
Thereisasignificantdisparitybetweentherecommendationand
suggestedactions.TheActionPlanignoresthespecific
recommendationcallingfortheinclusionofinterfaithleaders
andforthesettingupofamechanismthatcanensurethat
communalorreligioustensionorfrictiondoesnotleadto
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callsforacontinuationoftheimplementationof
theCivilDefenceCommitteeprogrammeofthe
PoliceandCommunityPolicingprogramme.
Implementcapacitybuildingprogrammesfor
thePoliceofficersintheCDCs.(LLRC9.270)
conflict.
Inclusionofcivilsocietyandownershipinthecommunity
policingisimportant.
10.Examineandintroduceappropriate
measuresthatcouldbeadoptedtocreate
awarenessofculturalaffinitiesincludingthrough
translationofliteraryworks.Engagethecultural
sectortohighlightcommonalitiesandmutual
understandingbetweencommunities.(LLRC
9.274and9.275)
MinistryofCulturalAffairs
Programmesthatwouldpromote
culturalaffinitiesandcommonalities
betweencommunitieson-going
Asthisison-goingwhatisitsstatus?RoleofStateTVandRadio
inthis?
11.Examinetheadequacyofpenallegislationto
dealwithhatespeechrelatingtoethnicity,religion,andliteratureandintroducelawreform
ifnecessary.(LLRC9.283)
MinistryofJustice
Submissionofdraftlegislationto
Parliament12months
Whiletherearepositiveaspectstoreviewinglegislationand
standardsrelatedtohatespeechthereneedstobeamoreconsultativeprocess.
Beyond,legalreformthereneedstobegreaterattentionon
addressinghatespeech,itscausesandimpact.
12.DisparitybetweenRecommendationand
Action.TheActionPlancallsforcontinuingthe
presentpracticeofexpressingsolidarityasone
nationandonepeopleandofpledginga
collectivecommitmenttonon-violenceand
peacesoastoensureanon-recurrenceofthepasteventsthatledtotheconflict,whilethe
LLRCFinalReportcallsforaseparateeventtobe
heldonNationalDaytoexpresssolidaritywith
allvictimsoftheconflict.(LLRC9.285)
PresidentialSecretariat,
MinistryofNationalLanguagesand
SocialIntegration,
MinistryofPublicAdministration&
HomeAffairs
TheactivityonlyaddressespartoftheLLRCrecommendation
anddisregardsanaspectoftherecommendationtoSetaside
aneventforrememberingvictimsoftheconflictontheNational
Day.(LLRC9.285)
WillvictimsbeallowedtomournandholdtheirowneventsasrecommendedbytheLLRC?(LLRC9.118&9.285)
Noreferencetopublicapologybyallpoliticiansasrecommended
bytheLLRC.(LLRC9.284)