Implementing LLRC recommendations in Sri Lanka: Progress?

Implementing LLRC recommendations in Sri Lanka: Progress?

Groundviews 30 Jan, 2013



 Sri Lanka has achieved considerable progress in implementing the recommendations made by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) and ready to defend its record at the next session in Geneva, Foreign Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama said.

So says the President’s Media Unit. We are a tad less sanguine. Even a cursory reading of the latest LLRC NAP Monitoring Report, updated on 2013.01.22, indicates significant gaps between propaganda and reality.

As we tweeted a few days ago,

1. @PresRajapaksa's Govt report says no media restrictions in N/E http://cl.ly/image/0O20173m3o3l … But realityhttp://groundviews.org/2012/10/02/menik-farm-the-tragic-end-of-a-bitter-saga-from-detention-to-forced-relocation/ … #lka #srilanka

2:17 AM - 27 Jan 13

2. ZERO movement on LLRC recommendation for RTI/FOI http://cl.ly/image/1h1s2F1v2Q2y … What is @PresRajapaksahiding and scared of? #lka #srilanka #media

2:17 AM - 27 Jan 13

3. Utter lack of independence in independent judiciary after CJ impeachment by @PresRajapaksa. Army CoI useless http://cl.ly/image/3o0P470F2W3B … #lka

2:17 AM - 27 Jan 13

4. Another lie by @PresRajapaksa's Govt. Armed thugs do roam around in N/E with impunity, post-warhttp://cl.ly/image/2e281N0A2Z3I … #lka #srilanka

2:18 AM - 27 Jan 13

5. @PresRajapaksa's LLRC update says media can freely travel to N/E http://cl.ly/image/231k1j3L2y35 … How does he explainhttp://groundviews.org/2012/10/31/restrictions-and-intimidation-on-journalists-covering-resettlement-process-in-the-vanni/ … #lka

2:18 AM - 27 Jan 13

6. Govt LLRC update says progress on ACF aid worker murders http://cl.ly/image/2s462W0h2e0z … False. Seehttp://transcurrents.com/news-views/archives/2749 … &http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/08/02/sri-lanka-massacre-aid-workers-goes-unpunished … #lka

2:18 AM - 27 Jan 13

7. Govt says HRC offices & rule of law will be strengthened in LLRC update http://cl.ly/image/2r0Z3p0T1d2c … It lies, openly.http://groundviews.org/2013/01/10/a-legal-primer-the-impeachment-of-the-chief-justice-in-sri-lanka/ … #lka

2:18 AM - 27 Jan 13

Earlier tweets 1-7 show @PresRajapaksa's Govt misleading & lying reg. LLRC impl. @foreignoffice@USEmbSL Why allow them to get away? #lka

2:18 AM - 27 Jan 13

Earlier tweets 1-7 show, ad nauseum, true nature of@PresRajapaksa's Govt, that likes of @AnuradhaKHerathpromote & defend #lka #srilanka

2:18 AM - 27 Jan 13

If the Sri Lankan government can’t even report honestly about promises its made, what real hope for reconciliation is there?