She told the media on June 08 at her Office for National Unity and Reconciliation that the military was responsible not only for disappearances.

Much has to be done to admit crime and human right violations during the war and return to society as a normal citizen, Kumaratunga said, adding the oppressed had the right to know the truth.

Unlike elsewhere in the world, Sri Lanka is without a mechanism under with both parties could discuss issues to reach a compromise.

She described not admitting wrongdoing as a South Asian tradition, even despite the availability of clear evidence, adding that what she was saying was her personal opinion only, and not of the government.

In such a scenario, the military will not admit its wrongs, said Kumaratunga.

She added that discussions were underway with experts on a programme that could be implemented to rectify the situation.