US Senators move resolution calling for intl approach to address SL crisis

The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has introduced a Senate resolution calling for a comprehensive international approach to address Sri Lanka’s current political and economic crisis, including challenges related to poor governance and economic policy under the Rajapaksa family’s rule. 

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said he was joined by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in introducing the resolution. 

The resolution calls on the UN Human Rights Council to extend its war crimes accountability resolution; urges Sri Lankan security forces to respect Sri Lankans’ rights to protest peacefully; and presses President Ranil Wickremesinghe to work with opposition parties and ethnic minority groups in efforts to address the crisis. 

The resolution also called on the United National Human Rights Council to extend and reinforce the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ mandate from HRC 46/1 (2021) for an additional 2 years and to fully resource the Sri Lanka Accountability Project.

“As the country grapples with its worst domestic crisis since the end of its civil war, the international community must continue to provide robust support and ensure that accountability for war crimes and respect for human rights in Sri Lanka remain top priorities. I applaud efforts by the Biden administration, our Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) partners, and the IMF in providing critical humanitarian and economic assistance, and affirm my commitment to continue to work with my colleagues to advance stability and prosperity in Sri Lanka and the broader region.” Chairman Menendez said.

“Introduction of today’s resolution shows that the U.S. Senate stands with peaceful democratic efforts to address these long neglected challenges.” the Senator said. 

Please click the below link to find the resolution.   https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/sri_lanka_resolution.pdf