Speaking to the ambassadors-designate at their orientation course here on Tuesday, Samaraweera noted with satisfaction that as part of the course they would be visiting the war- devastated areas and urged them to stress the need for assistance and investment to uplift the condition of the victims of war.

The Minister urged the envoys to reach out to and engage all sections of the Sri Lankan Diaspora, with the aim of getting their cooperation for the government's efforts to bring about ethnic reconciliation.

About the UNHRC's demand for a domestic mechanism to address issues like war crimes, Samaraweera said that the government is in the process of setting up such a mechanism with international assistance.

He made it clear that the domestic mechanism is being set up not because of foreign pressure but as a result of a realization that accountability issues have to be addressed domestically for the good of the country.

(newindianexpress.com)