Volunteer teachers in Vanni called for permanent appointments to be made as promised months ago by the provincial council.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Al Hussein said victims of Sri Lanka’s armed conflict must feel that justice is done, no matter the form of accountability mechanism enacted.

Speaking to reporters at the end of his visit to the island earlier this week, Mr Al Hussein reiterated his office’s support for international involvement in accountability, stating:

“The suggestion of having an impartial and independent court is fundamental because it must address the needs of victims on all sides. And we thought by having international participation this can be guaranteed.”

With reporters reminding the human rights chief of comments from Sri Lankan leaders, who have repeatedly rejected foreign involvement, the High Commissioner noted that there “may be other views”.

However, he added that “certainly the victims views have to be brought into this discussion – and that’s why the consultation that the government has begun is all the more important that their views be taken into account”.

He continued to say:

“There has to be set in motion a process to establish the truth, to establish a mechanism which will confirm or not whether there were systemic violations of a planned and organised manner and whether those thresholds then merit prosecution. All of this requires a step by step approach.”

“However in the end… whatever you do will be for nought if the victims themselves do not feel that justice is being done.”

The US Department of State has announced funding for the strengthening of investigative journalism in Sri Lanka.

The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour (DRL) said in the announcement that there will be an open competition for the funds, worth approximately $500,000.

A key outcome of the successful project should include "increased coverage on reconciliation and transitional justice activities in the country."

"Strong consideration will be given to proposals that work to facilitate interaction among journalists and media institutions in the north/east and south as well as proposals that include an emphasis on women journalists," the announcement said.

The Sri Lankan government called on North Korea to “abide by its international obligations” following the launch of long range rocket into space last week.

Sri Lanka “condemned” the launch and called on North Korea to “desist from any action that would adversely impact on the peace and security of the Korean Peninsula”.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena will never allow international judges to participate in an accountability mechanism, said a government minister at a press briefing on Tuesday.

Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Faizer Musthapha insisted that foreign judges wouldn’t be accommodated in any proposed court dealing with cases of international humanitarian law violations “under any circumstances”.

The Minister added that the president would not give in to international pressure, saying "various people can make recommendations though we’ll not accept anything inimical to Sri Lanka".

His remarks were reiterated by former MP Reginald Cooray, who is widely tipped to become the next Governor of the Northern Province.

Former army commander Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka, who is suspected of being responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, has been sworn in as an MP, after his appointment by the ruling coalition.

He was appointed by the UNP through the national list, after another MP died.