Even though the end of Sri Lanka’s conflict has brought dividends economically, to heal wounds of war and secure lasting peace for Sri Lanka, a range of humanitarian, political steps must be taken, according to Assistant Secretary- Bureau of South & Central Asian Affairs, Robert O. Blake Jr.
He made the statement at the San Diego Council on World Affairs, California, under the segment on Sri Lanka, in ‘South Asia’s Unheralded Stories’, commenting on Sri Lanka’s Stock Market rising 150% in the last 15 months, the highest performing Stock Market in Asia.
“To ensure lasting reconciliation, Sri Lanka must investigate and ensure justice for the war crimes and serious violations of international humanitarian law that Human Rights and other groups allege occurred in the final stages of the conflict,” he said, adding that the US hope that the Lesson Learnt Reconciliation Commission will probe violations of international humanitarian law, identify those responsible and make appropriate public recommendations.
“Having defeated one of the most murderous terrorist groups in the world, President Rajapaksa now has an historic opportunity to build a tolerant, multi-ethnic democracy in Sri Lanka, that will bring lasting peace and unprecedented prosperity,” Mr. Blake said. |
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