After more than 23 years, direct train services between Colombo and Kilinochchi resumed its operations this morning with the opening of the newly completed 63-kilometer track between Omanthai and Kilinochchi.
President Rajapaksa also declared open the newly built Kilinochchi Railway Station.
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Sri Lanka says, while there needs to be commitment at both national and international levels to achieve the right to development, there must be more focus on addressing the special needs of developing countries which are unequally impacted by structural problems, external events and global economic and financial crises.
Sri Lanka has highlighted the highlight the need to adopt "a pragmatic, context specific approach in addressing issues of transitional justice" and noted that "the approach of each state to reconciliation must be context-specific, taking into account the particularities of each state and the aspirations of its people".
Sri Lanka has highlighted the highlight the need to adopt "a pragmatic, context specific approach in addressing issues of transitional justice" and noted that "the approach of each state to reconciliation must be context-specific, taking into account the particularities of each state and the aspirations of its people".
Ambassador Aryasinha says Sri Lanka looks toward an objective and unbiased approach by HC Ms. Pillay
Sri Lanka looks toward an objective and unbiased approach to Sri Lanka by High Commissioner Navanethem Pillay in fulfilment of her mandate, following her recent visit where she had unfettered access to asses first-hand the on-going reconciliation process in Sri Lanka. This would also enable her to be better placed to not give credence to unsubstantiated allegations of those with vested interests and agendas, largely driven by certain extreme elements in the Sri Lankan Diaspora.
Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva and Leader of the Sri Lanka Delegation Ravinatha Aryasinha made this observation when he delivered the national statement at the 24th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva which opened on Monday (9 September 2013).
External Affairs minister G.L. Peiris on Tuesday said UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay had ignored a report produced by the UN officials in Colombo about claims of the intimidating presence of the military in the North.
“It is pity that the High Commissioner had not read the reports produced by UN officials in Colombo who believe this claim after interviewing about 200 people chosen by the UN itself. Nearly 90% of them had said they were comfortable living there.
The most crucial steps towards the restoration of normalcy in the North and East was the revival of the democratic process through the restoration of elections and the return of political plurality, Defence Secretary said yesterday.