Commonwealth values strengthened in Sri Lanka: Kamalesh Sharma

Commonwealth Secretary General, Kamalesh Sharma  who was here for an official visit said that he is pleased to learn that the Government is currently considering the necessary steps to address Sri Lanka’s accountability and reconciliation needs, including fuller implementation of the recommendations of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), a statement from the Secretariat said. During the meeting, Sharma had praised the present government’s 100-day programme, noting that it also comprised of many of the Commonwealth’s principles. “We have successfully identified areas where the Commonwealth will provide practical assistance as the country turns a new and transformative page in its history,” he added. Sharma noted the positive steps taken by the Government since 9 January and the further measures contemplated. These include a commitment to fundamental governance reforms and strengthening the independence of national institutions; the appointment of civilian governors in the Northern Province and Eastern Province amongst other changes in the provincial administrations; and, the appointment of the new Chief Justice. “My meetings offered the opportunity to explore ways in which we could support priority areas in the Government’s ambitious 100-Day Work Programme. These will build on our ongoing assistance to advance the fundamental values and principles of the Commonwealth as set out in the Commonwealth Charter,” he said. A comparative compendium of practice across the Commonwealth concerning the appointment procedures for human rights commissioners and which enhances the independence of national human rights institutions; and, A compendium of practice from across the Commonwealth concerning the establishment and independence of Election Management Bodies. These will be shared with Sri Lanka. Many of these areas will involve the Commonwealth Secretariat working in partnership with other Commonwealth bodies with specialist expertise. “In my meeting with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, we discussed the mandate of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) to work with member countries in a proactive and positive way in advancing the Commonwealth’s political values. We look forward to the Minister’s participation at CMAG’s next meeting in March in London. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister will also be chairing the annual Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in New York in September,” he added.