NPC’s PUJA People Unite for Justice and Accountability (PUJA) project conducted meetings in Kalutara, Kegalle, Monaragala, Galle and Hambantota for District Inter Religious Committees (DIRCs) and Local Inter Religious Committees (LIRCs), organic formations, master trainers and state officers to promote truth telling as an essential component of the transitional justice process.
A consistent topic was the call for an independent, impartial truth commission free from political interference. Participants stressed that achieving true transitional justice required equal financial and property justice for all victim families with full compensation for damages as assessed by law.
By bringing together diverse voices and emphasising the importance of an independent truth commission, the sessions underscored the collective commitment to achieving justice, healing and reconciliation. The journey towards transitional justice is complex and challenging but with continued efforts and unwavering dedication, an unified country was within reach.
Rohana Galabada, an LIRC Member from Kalutara, emphasised the importance of transitional justice in addressing conflicts, analysing causes, identifying parties and victims, compensating damages and preventing future conflicts.
Fathima Fazeena, a youth representative from Kalutara LIRC, highlighted the need for social cohesion through diversity, saying that, "Two lands should be avoided in the same country and social cohesion must be built through diversity."
Kalutara LIRC member P. K. Silva noted the emotional benefits of the truth telling process for victims, offering them a sense of validation and closure. Upali Jayaratne, another LIRC Member from Kalutara, emphasised the commission's power to shed light on past human rights abuses and historical injustices, preventing future violations and ensuring accountability.
E.M.S. Edirisinghe from Kegalle LIRC spoke about addressing past traumas, noting that some victims may be too traumatised to participate in the process. Master Trainer Sujith Wijesinghe said the truth commission should critique political consequences and shortcomings, not just focus on a particular time period or ethnic group.
State official D. Mahinda Jayawardana from Kegalle highlighted resistance to healing and reconciliation efforts at the grassroots level due to negative views held by influential leaders.
D. Madushan from the Galle LIRC pointed out the need for educating both decision makers and grassroots communities about existing laws and social conditions to promote peacebuilding and reconciliation.