Despite the commitments and statements on transitional justice in Sri Lanka, there continues to be a limited understanding among the different stakeholders as to what transitional justice and associated concepts mean. This is compounded by the challenge of selecting the appropriate words and terms in Sinhala and Tamil languages which are best suited to and easily understood in the local context. With the evolving discussions and debates on the subject, language could well be the catalyst for the acceptance of transitional justice among Sri Lankans, across Sri Lanka. The latest initiative by the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) is a glossary of terms on transitional justice which will assist in raising awareness and dispel myths and misunderstandings of what is meant by certain words and terms. CPA’s own work in the area of transitional justice proved the gaps in understanding the meaning of words and terms and it is hoped the present glossary can assist in greater awareness of transitional justice and its relevance in Sri Lanka.
