The US today underscored support for Sri Lanka’s efforts towards reconciliation, accountability and lasting peace in the aftermath of the three-decade civil war as its envoy to the UN visited the former war zone in Tamil-dominated Jaffna.

The US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, who is on a three-day visit to the country, appealed for support to the Sri Lankan government’s reconciliation efforts.

  
In a tweet, she said, “Urged Jaffna Chief Minister Wigneswaran to help reinforce #SriLanka precious moment for reconciliation/rebuilding.”Power met with local government officials in Jaffna and organisations and communities affected by the conflict.Wigneswaran told Power that he expects the US to bring pressure on the Sri Lankan government to further de-escalate the presence of the military in the north.

The chief minister said that the large presence of the military has hampered the civilian life in the north.Power will meet President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe?tomorrow.The US which moved three UN human Rights Council resolutions against Sri Lanka between 2012 and 2014 under Mahinda Rajapaksa regime has supported the current government headed by Maithripala Sirisena.

Sirisena’s government has taken several steps to achieve reconciliation with the Tamil minority and the US has expressed support for such moves. Several confidence-building-measures such as the release of Tamils-owned lands, lifting of travel restrictions to the North and de-escalating the military presence have been taken since January. 

Lanka’s main Tamil political party has accepted the government efforts to ensure reconciliation after three decades of ethnic war that claimed over 100,000 lives. (PTI)