EU will 'support Sri Lanka’s efforts towards reconciliation'

<p>A delegation from the European Union to Sri Lanka has issued a statement commemorating the 11th anniversary since the end of the armed conflict, by stating they will "support Sri Lanka’s efforts towards reconciliation".</p> <p>This statement comes despite regression in terms of reconciliation and accountability as army officials accused of war crimes are not only pardoned, but are promoted. In the last year alone, a war criminal was appointed to head position of commander of the Army and now leads the country’s COVID-response, and the government has withdrawn from co-sponsorship of the UNHRC resolution 30/1.</p> <p>The statement they issued on Twitter reads:</p> <blockquote><p> On the 11th anniversary of war’s end, we remember the many lives lost &amp; the continuing legacy of conflict. The EU will continue to support <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hashtag_click">#SriLanka</a>'s efforts towards reconciliation &amp; healing, with respect for human rights &amp; rule of law, for a more inclusive future for all. </p></blockquote> <p>Tamil groups in the diaspora and across the North-East have consistently called for international accountability mechanisms to account for atrocities committed during the armed conflict.</p> <p>Read the EU delegation’s statement <a href="https://twitter.com/eu_in_sri_lanka/status/1262275203608035328?s=21">here.</a></p>