Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, said that the new government in Sri Lanka has passed a constitutional amendment which, if implemented appropriately, brings renewed hope for democracy and the rule of law.

“In this regard, it is important that the government consults broadly with all political parties, civil society, and above all victims and their families, to ensure full national support and ownership of these processes,” he said.

Haq said the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights remains engaged in discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities on the need for transparent and inclusive processes to develop credible mechanisms for accountability and reconciliation.