US lauds Sri Lanka’s post-conflict recovery

*Blake says different country from what he last saw

*Lauds progress made in disarming para-military groups

Rasika SOMARATHNA

The US government yesterday commended Sri Lanka for the positive progress it had made on its recovery from a deeply damaging and longstanding conflict.

Robert O Blake

“This is a very different country from what I left in May 2009. Most IDPs have left Menik farm and the rest will leave as soon as de-mining is complete,” US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Robert O Blake told the media at the end of his three day visit to the country.

He added: “Important local council elections have taken place in the north; more than 8,000 ex-combatants have been rehabilitated and released; and substantial work has been done in the North to re-open schools, improve infrastructure and remove mines”.

The visiting US Assistant Secretary of State said that he encouraged further steps towards reconciliation and a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Sri Lanka. He also stressed that the US was encouraged by the talks between the government and the TNA. “I was very pleased to hear from both the government and the TNA that they will resume their important dialogue on devolution and other matters,” he added.

According to Blake, both government and TNA officials had informed him that they would resume their dialogue very shortly, most probably within the week.

Commenting on the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) report which is due shortly, Blake observed that it was inappropriate to pre-judge it and added that the US hoped that the report contained comprehensive suggestions and recommendations to overcome all issues arising out of the conflict.

He emphasized that Sri Lanka should find permanent solutions to underlying grievances which led to the conflict in the first place to prevent a recurrence of such conflicts.

Blake said that Sri Lanka had also made progress in disarming para-military groups. He said that during his recent visit to Jaffna, he was told by the people that other than security forces’ members no one else carried arms openly. Blake also said that it was important to deploy more Tamil speaking Police personnel in the north. “This would help to build better interaction and trust,” he added.

He noted that steps taken by the US government to deploy community police in certain areas had paved way to bringing down crime rates. Blake also said that security authorities should take steps to put an end to the suspicious characters incidents and allay fears of the public.

Explaining US assistance to Sri Lanka in the post-conflict era, Blake said that its priorities were to help the people of the north to recover, rebuild, and return to their normal lives. “We are investing $ 20 million to partner with the private sector to create 20,000 jobs in horticulture, dairy, apparel, aquaculture, logistics and construction sectors in the North and East.” “We contributed $ 1.4 million last year to support transitional housing across North. In addition, we are the majority contributor to the World Food Programme in Sri Lanka, providing $5 million over the past 12 months,” he added.

Answering queries from journalists, Blake said that the UN Human Rights Council sessions was a good opportunity for the Sri Lankan delegation to make other countries aware of the progress made in various sectors since the end of conflict.

He also said that during meetings with various government officials, he had emphasised on the need to engage positively with the UN Human Rights Council. He also noted that the US welcomed the removal of emergency laws, but more had to be done.

Answering questions, Blake also said that the 13th amendment was a good starting point and the government with discussions with other parties including the TNA should decide regarding the extent of powers that should be devolved to provinces.

Blake during his short visit met President Mahinda Rajapaksa, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris, representatives of the TNA and the JVP, members of civil society.

He also visited Jaffna and met with military commanders, NGO representatives, students from the Jaffna University, media and the Bishop of Jaffna.