Time for Lanka to return as a respected member of international community: US

Monday, 9 February 2015 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Praising the Sri Lankan people for electing a new government after a decade of an oppressive regime, the United States said it is time for Sri Lanka to return to its rightful place as a respected member of the international community. The United States Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the Sri Lankans sent a clear signal at the elections that they want a change for a step forward for good governance

“The people of Sri Lanka – from Jaffna to Galle – sent a clear signal from the ballot box: that they wanted your country to take a step forward, to realise its tremendous potential, and to finally enjoy the fruits of peace,” Blinken said. The Deputy Secretary made these remarks Thursday when he addressed a gathering at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington DC at a celebration to mark the 67th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence. The high-ranking US official said this year the whole world is celebrating the Independence Day with Sri Lanka. “Following January’ elections, you have every reason to hold your heads high and take pride in what you have already accomplished in this young year,” he said. “After the most successful election in your country’s history, Sri Lankans can stand proud alongside Americans as keepers of the democratic dream,” Blinken added. He noted that less than four weeks into taking office, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is pursuing an ambitious agenda. “The world took notice when he lifted restrictions on the media; restored independence to Government institutions; and committed to respect human rights not just for some Sri Lankans, but for all Sri Lankans,” the US official pointed out. Blinken said it was particularly moving to see members of the Tamil National Alliance join the celebrations in Colombo. Commenting that President Sirisena’s remembrance of all the Sri Lankans who perished in the war and his pledge to never again allow Sri Lanka “to be traumatised by the shedding of innocent blood” was an important step towards healing Sri Lanka’s wounds, the official asked Sri Lankan to not to stop the progress there. “But my hope is that you will not stop there. In mending the rifts inside Sri Lanka, I hope you will turn outside, to the world, in order to share your story of progress and reconciliation.” Deputy Secretary Blinken assured the US support for Sri Lanka’s efforts to expand democratic freedom and political rights; to prevent corruption and investigate financial crimes; and to promote sustainable economic growth. Speaking of trade relations, the official said Sri Lanka’s trade with the United States generates tens of thousands of jobs for Sri Lankans and the US is “eager to see that relationship grow with new trade and investment for the benefit of both of our economies.” “We can all see a future for Sri Lanka brimming with happiness and prosperity. And we can all celebrate hand-in-hand, knowing that the next generation of Sri Lankans will know peace and pride like never before,” Deputy Secretary Blinken emphasised.

UN Chief stands by UNHRC Chief’s call on Sri Lanka to cooperate with UN inquiry

The United Nations says the Secretary General will stand by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Chief’s call for cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government with the UN inquiry. While welcoming the new Sri Lankan Government’s decision to initiate a local probe into alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at the regular Press briefing last week said the UN Chief’s call and the UNHR Chief’s call for Sri Lanka to cooperate with the UN inquiry will stand. “Obviously, we welcome – you know, we would welcome any move that would help to bring light what’s happened in Sri Lanka. But the Secretary-General’s call and the High Commissioner’s call for cooperation with the UN inquiries stand,” Dujarric said when asked for the UN’s reaction to the Sri Lankan Government’s announcement that it is considering bringing a new local inquiry with foreign experts into the alleged crimes during the war.