US Assistance Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in her twitter said “Passage of the OMP is huge stride forward for Sri Lanka in advancing truth and reconciliation” while US Ambassador to Colombo, Atul Keshap in his twitter said: “New Office of Missing Person is a historic milestone in the path towards meaningful national reconciliation for all in Sri Lanka”.

Canadian High Commissioner Shelley Whiting who was present parliament when the bill was passed amid uproar has said it was a “critical piece to reconciliation”.

“At Parliament when OMP bill adopted – critical peace to reconciliation in Sri Lanka and helping families to find answers. Onwards to implementation,” she said in a twitter message.

Colombo-based independent think-tank, the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), which has been assisting the government’s consultation on reconciliation mechanism also welcomed the government move to establish the first permanent office solely focusing on the issue missing and disappeared people.

“The CPA welcomes this historic move in a context where thousands continue to search for their missing and disappeared loved ones and urges the establishment of the OMP without further delays, it said.

It also released a brief visual illustration (attached) on the functions of the OMP as per the new passed law.

(ceylonews.com)