Lanka prez should lay spl stress on ensuring justice: Amnesty

Newly-elected Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena should seize the "historic" opportunity to ensure justice and accountability in respect of the alleged war crimes which occurred during the civil war in the island nation, Amnesty International India (AII) said today as he embarks on his maiden visit to India.
"Sri Lankan President Sirisena's ambitious plans for reform and reconciliation should lay special emphasis on ensuring justice, accountability and the rule of law," Amnesty International India said in a statement.
Sirisena is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi today on a three-day visit, during which he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among others.

"President Sirisena has an extraordinary opportunity to
improve relations between communities in Sri Lanka, and usher in an era of true reconciliation based on justice, equality, freedom and dignity," said AII Programmes Director, Shemeer Babu.
Sirisena has taken important steps to restore the independence of the judiciary and other important institutions. It is crucial that the government does not neglect issues of justice and accountability, Babu said.

"Colombo must now act to end discrimination and impunity,
ensure impartial investigations into human rights abuses, and protect free speech," he said.
Prime Minister Modi should extend all support to the Sri
Lankan president and work with him to push reforms in the crucial areas of justice and accountability, he said.

Sirisena has promised that Colombo would conduct domestic
investigations into the alleged crimes under international law.
"These investigations must be conducted promptly and in
good faith, with independence, adequate resources and effective witness protection," Babu said.
Domestic investigations will not negate the need for continued international action and engagement to ensure justice and accountability in Sri Lanka, he added.
"The new Sri Lankan government should extend the support and cooperation to the ongoing UN investigations that was missing while the previous government was in power," he said.