"This report will enable the country to move forward, addressing accountability issues and concerns on human rights," said Dinesh Dodamgoda, director of Colombo-based NGO International Centre for Promoting Reconciliation.

Appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in May 2010 to look into the final stage of the conflict against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels, the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) conducted an 18-month inquiry; its findings were submitted to parliament on 16 December.

"Steps are needed to follow positive recommendations of the commission in a systematic and transparent manner for us to hold ourselves responsible," Rajiva Wijesinha, a parliamentarian and presidential adviser on the peace process, told IRIN.

Hoping for change

While Human Rights Watch along with other agencies and diplomats have questioned the impartiality and credibility of the commission - demanding an international inquiry thus far rejected by the government - Jeeva Ahilan, a recent returnee, who fled fighting in Kilinochchi District, still hopes the recommendations will lead to change.

"People came out and spoke openly [in fact-finding hearings] about their suffering and need for a dignified life," he said.

LLRC's fact-finding sessions in the north over the past year were well received among recent returnees who had fled fighting, he added.
"People are hopeful that their voices were heard and [that the report will be used] for development," said Ahilan.

Read the IRIN article: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=94501