The LLRC began its sessions in Trincomalee on Friday.

President of the Association of Parents of the Disappearances and Abductions, S.Devi told the commission that although she appreciated the opportunity to present her grievances many citizens in the Trincomalee District did not want to come to the Commission as they were not aware of the role of the commission.

Disappointed

Another witness, Madasami Krishnaweli who wanted to tell the commission about her disappeared son told our correspondent that she was disappointed for not being able to tell her grievance.

She said some witnesses were making use of the commission to gain political mileage.

“They took most of the time and I was not able talk a single word”, Krishnaweli said.

Lack of Awareness

President of the Fisher Women’s Association, A.G.Chitral said the Commission’s intention was to seek ways of creating national reconciliation but people are not aware of its aspirations.

“People should be informed and enlightened,” she said.

Civil organisations and scholars in the area point out that the LLRC’s lethargic attitude has made people disinterested.

They also said that it has lost its momentum and is on a sluggish route.

Cloud of secrecy

Former senior assistant secretary of education, Eastern Province, Dayananda Jayaweera said that the arrangements for LLRC proceedings in Trincomalee have been shrouded by a cloud of secrecy.

“Authorities have not taken efforts to create awareness among the people in the district. It was organised in a secret background”, he said.

Several mothers who were there to give evidence said that they did not do so because there were four members of the Karuna group in the vicinity.