Over the decades, CPA has highlighted the critical need for reforms addressing truth and justice in Sri Lanka, which require renewed attention against the backdrop of the ongoing work around mass graves and other developments linked to Sri Lanka’s past cycles of violence. Whilst CPA acknowledges the work done by state officials pertaining to forensics and other work, the complexities of ascertaining truth and pursuing justice require expertise and resources that are urgently needed. In this regard, CPA reiterates the need for capacity building and legal and structural reforms that can facilitate processes that are independent, impartial, and victim-centred. Based on interviews with a range of stakeholders, including those based in the North and East, CPA highlights the following:
- Strengthen Forensic Expertise: There is a need to strengthen the overall forensic investigation capacity and expertise of the state, including the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) and others.
- Provide Resources and Initiate Reforms towards the Establishment of an Independent DNA Facility: The work in the past with the Chemmani Mass Grave and other sites, and ongoing work with multiple sites, highlights the need for an independent facility that is able to store and process DNA samples.
- The Need for Independent Investigations and Prosecutions: Recent events demonstrate the urgent need for the establishment of an office to independently investigate and prosecute serious human rights and economic crimes. The work around mass graves and Sri Lanka’s case load of enforced disappearances reinforce the need for such an entity.
- Ensuring Procedure in Excavation: Standard operating procedure should be introduced in the excavation of mass graves to cover excavations, exhumations and investigations.
- Obtaining International Assistance: The complex nature of excavations and investigations highlights the need for international observers and assistance that can support and strengthen the work.
- Psychosocial Support for Victims: The discovery and exhumation of mass graves have deep psychological effects on victims and affected communities. The State must enhance local capacity to provide psychosocial support and related issues.
- Victim-Centred Approach: The Government must ensure all processes and reforms are victim-centred, including the need for transparency and regular information sharing to address the trust deficit towards domestic initiatives.
- Resource Allocation for Investigations, Prosecutions and Related Matters: The Government must take all steps to provide resources for ongoing excavations, forensic and other related work and investigations and ensure the required allocations are made with the forthcoming appropriations bill.
There is a considerable body of work done by the Office on Missing Persons (OMP) and Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), amongst others, on issues around enforced disappearances, the excavation of mass graves, and related issues. All efforts must be made to ensure there is no political interference with such entities and that they are provided the required resources to function independently.
We welcome an opportunity to meet and discuss these critical matters further and offer our continued support in implementing the necessary reforms to build a system of justice that reflects the aspirations of all citizens.
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