Introduction
By the Cabinet Decision dated 08th April, 2015 given in response to the Cabinet Memorandum dated 25th March, 2015 submitted by Hon. Prime Minister, the Office for the National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) was established under the authority of His Excellency the President.
As per the Gazette No 1945/41 dated 18.12.2015, affairs pertaining to national reconciliation have been entrusted with the ONUR under the Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation. Meanwhile, by the Gazette Extra Ordinary dated 09th August, 2020, the ONUR came within the purview of the Ministry of Justice.
Objectives
- Making recommendations to the Government on measures to be taken to resolve issues causing to stress and conflicts existed among different communities and implementation such measures and follow up.
- Formulation of programmes to ensure reconciliation that builds up awareness, peace and unity among all communities and make recommendations to the Government and follow up.
The ONUR has implemented following programmes and projects.
- National policy or reconciliation of Sri Lanka • Social integration education.
- Conflict transformation
- Psycho-social supportive projects
- Arts and culture reconciliation
- Awareness and socialization
- Economic Engagement programme for Northern and Eastern Provinces and other conflict- hit areas under overall District Development Plan • Livelihood Development Plan.
The ONUR has played a leading role in the national reconciliation strategies by way of above programmes and projects wining the hearts of thousands of public employees and such other parties living in the North, East and any other conflicts-hit areas primarily with the support of domestic funds and the assistance of other international organizations.
