OPA praises LLRC proposals

The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) finds many good recommendations in the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) that would promote good governance and reconciliation.

The LLRC had time to examine and deliberate on the issues and we could accept them as proposals that would address many of the issues highlighted. The LLRC recommendations can be divided into two groups, those that can be implemented without delay and those that would require further consultation.

The OPA considers the government should make a determined effort to give effect to the LLRC recommendations.

It has identified several issues examined by the LLRC and says the government should give priority to the following recommendations in implementing the LLRC proposals.

1. Judicial Review of Legislations

2. Enact Constitutional measures to strengthen and ensure the Independence of the Judicary

3. Establish Independent Commissions particularly the Public Service Commission, Police Commission, Elections Commission Judicial Service Commission, Human Rights Commission and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption.

4. Fast track the Implementation of the Constitutional Provisions on Official Languages;

5. Ensure Citizens' right to information and enact a Right to Information Act,

6. Provision of information regarding those in custody to their immediate relative,

7. Disarm all illegal armed groups and

8. Provision of legal ownership of land to those re-settled on land allotments;

The OPA says the implementation of the above recommendations will go a long way to counter the adverse publicity carried out abroad.

The OPA is committed to provide any assistance required in the implementation of the recommendations.