The international community has a critical role to play in supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts toward reconciliation and accountability through the participation of international judges and prosecutors said a group Senators in a letter to the US Secretary of State John Kerry.

Extracts from the letter reproduced below:

“We firmly believe that the international community has a critical role to play in supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts toward reconciliation and accountability, and the findings of the OHCHR report will help determine the path forward We support a robust international role through the participation of international judges and prosecutors that will lend credibility to Sri Lanka’s accountability process. The international community must also work with the Sir Lanka government to implement vigorous witness protection systems to ensure the successes of any accountability process.”

The presidential election in Sri Lanka earlier this year set the stage for a new era of democratic reform. Departing from decades for authoritarian policies implemented under former President Rajapaksa, the election of Maithripala Sirisena offers an opportunity for Sri Lanka to strengthen tis institutions of democratic governance by eliminating corruption, expanding media freedom, and demilitarizing the North and East provinces.”

“Sri Lanka is indeed at a critical moment in history. We urge the State Department to remain actively engaged on current UNRHC efforts regarding Sri Lanka, and to demonstrate US diplomatic leadership beyond the UN to promote true peace, accountability, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. “