Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris outlined the progress by the Government in addressing post conflict reconciliation related issues and further strengthening democracy and human rights at a meeting with a group of Ambassadors on April 26.
He 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 Minister referred to the recent meeting the President had with the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) 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.
Minister Peiris briefed the Ambassadors on the regular dialogue the Foreign Ministry has with Heads of NGOs and the commitment to support their work.
Minister Prof. Peiris 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.
The Minister 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.
Foreign Affairs State Minister Tharaka Balasooriya, Foreign Ministry Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Senior Officials of the Ministry were present.
