(January 8, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) We the undersigned civil society activists and organisations from Sri Lanka, wish to place on record the following observations on human rights, accountability and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the presidential election of 8th January 2015, we note some progress made in the last twelve months. Such progress includes the enactment of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, the appointment of independent institutions including the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the release of some lands in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, and symbolic reparations including the Declaration of Peace on 4th February 2015. While welcoming these, we note that much more is needed if Sri Lanka is to experience genuine peace and reconciliation. We therefore urge the Government of Sri Lanka to immediately initiate much needed reforms in 2016.
