DHAKA: The UN has agreed to Sri Lanka’s request to delay a long-awaited report into alleged atrocities committed during the country’s 26-year civil war.

The UN rights chief said he recommended the deferral of the report until September ‘to allow for a stronger and more comprehensive report’, according to the BBC.

He said Sri Lanka’s new government was far more prepared to co-operate on the issue than the previous administration.

Sri Lanka’s army defeated Tamil Tiger separatist rebels in May 2009.

Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes and the UN report had been originally due next month.

Maithripala Sirisena defeated long-time ruler Mahinda Rajapaksa in presidential elections last month, and promised to co-operate with the UN.

BDST: 1642 HRS, FEB 17, 2015