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Sri Lanka's foreign minister, Mangala Samaraweera, urged the international community to "be patient", stating that the new government was attempting a "fragile transition".
Addressing the Carnegie Endowment of International Peace in Washington on Wednesday, Mr Samaraweera said "the Government of Sri Lanka is committed to the success of this journey of strengthening democracy, good governance and the rule of law while ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights of all her citizens," however, added, "but remember, this is also a sensitive process involving the participation of a multitude of political parties that are essential to ensure the success of this journey."
"There are still some extremist elements within and outside the country who, for obvious reasons, want this journey derailed," Mr Samaraweera warned.
Echoing the words of the previous Rajapaksa regime, he called for Sri Lanka to be given time and space.
"Therefore, I urge you to allow us time and space while supporting us in this journey of national reconciliation and healing, institution building and regaining the true Sri Lankan identity," Mr Samaraweera said.
Aspects of his speech appeared in contradiction to repeated statements made recently by senior government officials including the prime minister, Ranil Wickremasinghe however, stating that there would be no reduction in the military bases in the Tamil areas.
"The Government has already commenced discussions on introducing a policy of progressively reducing High Security Zones in the Northern Province and releasing land to the public," Mr Samaraweera said however.
"Involvement of the military in civilian activities has ceased," he also added, despite ongoing reports on government owned news sites of soldiers taking part in school and community events.
See full speech here.
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