UN assistance to advance Govt.'s reconciliation process

The United Nations is exploring a broad package of technical and financial assistance to Sri Lanka to advance the government’s efforts to achieve reconciliation with the Tamil community, Government Information Department said. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the United Nations is mulling over the provision of a road package of technical and financial assistance in consultation with all key stakeholders at the request of the Sri Lankan Government. The framework of UN support for peace building in the island nation was presented in Sri Lanka last June by the Resident Coordinator. The UN Spokesman mentioned that what is being discussed for support by the Peace building Fund are initiatives to advance the process of reconciliation in Sri Lanka through the resettlement of internally displaced persons, national reconciliation, and the development of credible transitional justice mechanisms in line with international standards. He pointed out that the UN’s support is always built on the basis of inclusive, transparent and participatory consultations with all key stakeholders. Mr. Dujarric said one million dollars has already been disbursed to support resettlement and integration initiatives for the internally displaced in the North and East, on land that has been returned by the Government.