Deputy Minister Ebrahim visit to Sri Lanka

International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Ebrahim I Ebrahim is currently on a working visit to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Deputy Minister Ebrahim's visit is at the invitation of the Sri Lankan Government.  The visit takes place within the context of recent political developments in Sri Lanka.

South Africa continues to encourage all Sri Lankans to pursue an inclusive political settlement for national reconciliation and economic reconstruction following several decades of civil war.

South Africa has taken note of the Report of the United Nations Panel of Experts, which was appointed by Mr Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, to advise him on accountability issues related to the last stages of the civil war in Sri Lanka and which ended in May 2009. South Africa will in due course study the recommendations flowing from the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission.

South Africa is of the view that domestic accountability issues must first and foremost be sought at the national level. It remains the sovereign responsibility of States to determine what their judicial mechanisms are in ensuring accountability. Current relations between the two countries are excellent and strengthening.

For further information, please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

17 November 2011