HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF SRI LANKA, Annual Report 2019 As it has direct relevance to the HRCSL’s statutory mandate, the Commission strives to contribute to reconciliation initiatives in Sri Lanka, which raise human rights related issues of concern. In 2019, the HRCSL contributed to several reconciliation initiatives. The Commission held consultations with the Office on Missing Persons(OMP) during the year to explore the possibility of entering into a Memorandum of Understanding in order to enable the two entities to co-ordinate their activities pertaining to enforced disappearances. Most importantly, following the Easter Sunday attack on 21 April 2019 the Commission conducted many monitoring visits, a number of training programmes and discussion targeting state officials, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the youth community with a view to create social reconciliation, co-existence, and an environment free of confrontations. (See chapter 2.1.2 for more information on action taken in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attack) 5.4. Engagement with the media As part of its outreach efforts, the Commission engaged with the media to keep the public informed of critical issues, as well as on the activities of the Commission. The Commission employs traditional print and electronic media well as online platforms for promotional activities. 5.4.1 Engagement with electronic media traditional print and A special discussion with the editors in chief of all print media institutions was held at the HRCSL head office on 23 May 2019 to explain the prevailing situation in the country in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks and to brief them on activities to be carried out and interventions to be made to protect and improve human rights and communal tolerance in the country. 85

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