High-level UN team in Sri Lanka to observe implementation of LLRC recommendations

Leading News from Sri Lanka:: * High-level UN team in Sri Lanka to observe implementation of LLRC recommendations Sun, Dec 9, 2012, 12:10 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka. Dec 09, Colombo: A high level delegation of permanent representatives to the United Nations is visiting Sri Lanka to observe the progress on the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations and other post-war developments. The delegation led by Japan included permanent representatives from Nigeria, Romania Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York. Top diplomats of Italian, Brazilian missions and South Africa's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Geoff Doidge, accompanied the delegation. The visit was jointly organized by the Government of Japan, Sri Lanka's Permanent Mission to the UN and Columbia University. The delegation met the President Mahinda Rajapaksa Friday at Temple Trees and held discussions with the President. Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dr. Palitha Kohona and Minister of External Affairs G.L. Peiris also participated in the discussion. Prior to the meeting with the President, the delegation has met the Justice Minister and SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem at his ministry and later met with the Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan, The Island newspaper reported Sunday. According to The Island report, the Justice Minister has revealed plans to introduce a Witness Protection Bill and also to set up four special high courts to try the detained LTTE cadres quickly. The TNA has apprised the delegation of the concerns they have over the government's slow progress in addressing the issues affecting the minor community even though the conflict ended over three years ago in May 2009. The delegation is expected to make its report available to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) before its 20th sessions in Geneva next March. (Photos by Sudath Silva)