Peiris cites TNA meeting in talks with foreign envoys

By MSV On Apr 30, 2022

COLOMBO: At a meeting with a group of ambassadors, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris has outlined the progress made by the Sri Lankan government in addressing post-conflict reconciliation-related issues and further strengthening democracy and human rights.

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasooriya, Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colambage and Senior Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the said diplomatic briefing.

The foreign minister explained the recent substantive amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and the steps being taken to draft a comprehensive counter-terrorism legislation to bring it in line with contemporary dimensions of terrorism.

The lawmaker referred to the recent meeting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had with the Tamil National Alliance and the steps being taken to address some of the issues affecting the people of the Northern and Eastern Provinces, including the land and PTA detainees’ issues.

He also referred to the report of the Committee of Experts on drafting a new Constitution which was recently handed over to the President and assured that steps will be taken to commence broader consultations.

Referring to the government’s commitment to strengthening the collaborative relationship with civil society organizations and the recent decision to bring the National NGO Secretariat under the purview of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Peiris briefed the ambassadors on the regular dialogue the Foreign Ministry has with Heads of NGOs and the commitment to support their work.

The foreign minister also referred to the government’s commitment to implement the recommendations in the second interim report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry for Appraisal of the Findings of Previous Commissions and the Way Forward.

He also briefed on the prevailing situation in the country and the steps being taken to address the political and economic challenges in accordance with the Constitution.