The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, who is due to visit Sri Lanka on August 31, said he hoped Sri Lanka "fully implements the resolution" passed by the UN Human Rights Council, reiterating the reasons why resolution called for international participation in any accountability mechanism. 

"Due to the delays in the pursuit of an effective accountability process, ongoing concerns over the independence of judicial and law enforcement institutions in Sri Lanka, and due to the magnitude and complexity of the alleged crimes, victims and affected communities believe that international participation can ensure a credible process that will finally deliver justice," Mr Moon told the SundayTimes.lk in an interview published Sunday. 

"This is why the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Human Rights Council, as well as the Council’s resolution 30/1, affirmed the importance of international participation, precisely because it would enhance the credibility, independence and impartiality of the process in the eyes of the victims."

"I, therefore, hope that the Sri Lankan Government will remain committed to the Human Rights Council resolution and fully implements it."

Acknowledging the current government's efforts, Mr Moon said, "despite this, efforts to address ongoing grievances, including the continued militarisation of civilian life, the replacement of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the implementation of a comprehensive transitional justice agenda that encompasses truth-seeking, reparations, accountability and institutional reforms, as well as a political settlement, have yet to fully materialise."

"Although the conflict ended in 2009, Sri Lanka has yet to come to terms with its past: as the many victims’ families remain uncertain about the fate of their loves ones. They seek the truth, they seek support and they seek justice."

See full interview here.