The United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Catherine Russell stated that the US was “also extremely concerned over the rise in rape and sexual assault”, as she addressed a group of non-governmental organisations in Sri Lanka earlier this week.
The Ambassador was addressing the group via internet video messaging after she was refused a visa to enter the country by the Sri Lankan government, which reportedly ‘pleased’ a ruling alliance constituent party.
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During her address to the NGOs, which included Tamil groups from the North-East, the Ambassador reportedly echoed concerns highlighted by the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal.
Ambassador Russell reportedly addressed issues of militarisation in the North, livelihood schemese for war widows, the rule of law, witness protection and the lack of prosecutions of sexual assault and rape cases. She went on to add,
“We are also extremely concerned over the rise in rape and sexual assault causes in Sri Lanka. Although these increases might reflect the increase of reporting it is also necessary to raise concern over the real increase of the violence directed at women.”
The women’s rights group from Jaffna went on to raise concerns with the Ambassador over the Presidential Task Force, which oversees all development in the North-East, and from which they must seek approval for prior to implementing any livelihood projects.
See the full report from the Daily Mirror here.