US still has hopes on Sri Lankan reconciliation process

The United States on Saturday said that it still has hopes on a Sri Lankan process for reconciliation, but added that it will bring a 3rd resolution against the island nation at the UN Human Rights Council.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Nisha Biswal made these comments while addressing a press conference in Colombo today, during a two-day official visit.

She said that while there was support for a domestic process in Sri Lanka to investigate alleged human rights abuses committed during the war, the patience of the international community was wearing thin.

“Lack of progress in Sri Lanka has led to great deal of frustration and scepticism in my government and in the international community,” Biswal said.

“There hasn’t been sufficient action taken by the government to address the issues of justice and accountability.

“We heard from many people about people who are still unaccounted for, whose whereabouts and fates are unknown to their family members.”

Ms Biswal declined to say what would be in the resolution to be tabled at the March session of the UN Human Rights Council, but US Embassy officials have said it may call for an international investigation in Sri Lanka.

“We understand growing concern, frustration, and scepticism among many in my country and many in the international community that has led to increasing calls for international investigation and an international process.” she said.

However, when inquired by reporters whether the US will seek to impose sanction, she said there is currently no talk of imposing economic sanctions on Sri Lanka over the human rights issue.

The US government is expected to submit a resolution on Sri Lanka to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in March.

The resolution is expected to call for an international investigation into alleged human rights abuses committed during the final stages of the war between the military and the Tamil Tiger rebels.

Biswal will remain in the country till Feb 2 and have discussions with government and opposition members and officials.

Following her Sri Lanka visit, Biswal will travel to London for meetings with officials from the British government Feb 3. Britain is to co-sponsor the resolution on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council in March.

The US State Department said Biswal would also travel to Geneva for meetings regarding the US intention to sponsor the resolution on Sri Lanka in the March session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The resolution will build upon previous resolutions in 2012 and 2013 and will urge Sri Lanka to do more to promote reconciliation, justice and accountability in the wake of the civil conflict, the US State Department said.