Truth and Reconciliation Commission to begin public consultations, focus on healing and closure

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will begin public consultations with legal fraternities and political parties this week, and plans are in place to organize a national consultation extending to the Western and Northern Divisions.

Commission Chair and Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says last September, Parliament passed a motion to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in which Cabinet formed a steering committee with five appointed members.

She says there have been some concerns about the perceived silence on their part and questions about whether any progress is being made, and acknowledged that bringing this discussion into the public space has taken some time.

Kiran says over the past year, they have met with some of the people individually and in small groups, and these meetings were held in safe spaces, so they have not been visible on social media or in the news.

She adds these conversations were focused on listening to how people are feeling and understanding the direction they should take, which is why it took time to reach this stage.

The Chair noted that there have been insightful engagements on different perspectives.

She says the younger generation, particularly those under 35 to 40 years old, tend to show little interest in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Kiran says many of them suggest redirecting funds to health or other programs instead of pursuing this initiative.

She further says, on the other hand, older individuals, those above 50, 60, and 70 years, and families affected in some way expressed pain, trauma, and fear regarding the process.

The Assistant Minister stressed that they have been very deliberate in evolving this framework based on global principles while considering the local context with the support of a UN consultant in helping structure the work.

She adds their aim is to be as comprehensive as possible, ensuring that they hear as many voices as they can so that the framework serves the various sectors of the society.

Kiran says the primary goal of the Commission is healing and closure.