The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal said whilst being encouraged by the new Sri Lankan government’s promises of reform, there remained tough challenges, including a difficult road ahead on accountability and reconciliation, as well as demilitarisation of the conflict affected areas.
Ms Biswal, who had visited Sri Lanka last month, made these comments before the US House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting on Tuesday, regarding the ‘US rebalance in South Asia: foreign aid and developmental priorities’.
See here for full address. Extract on Sri Lanka reproduced below:
“Mr. Chairman, Sri Lanka represents another dramatic opening that was ushered in by an election where the voice of the people turned conventional wisdom on its head and provided hope to a country that has been captive to corruption, cronyism, and divisive policies that threatened to divide and destabilize the country.
President Sirisena, working in a government of national unity with Sinhalese and minority political parties, is pivoting the country away from the harmful policies of his predecessor. The prospects for strengthened democratic institutions, equitable economic growth, and reduced ethnic tensions are much greater under his leadership than they were during the previous regime.
Immediately upon taking office, newly elected President Sirisena and his coalition took actions that reflect their commitment to a comprehensive governance reform agenda, including development assistance and support for civil society and vulnerable communities. We are encouraged by the government’s pledges to create a credible domestic accountability mechanism to address the end of the war and foster reconciliation between the North and South. We have expressed our support for the new government’s focus on strengthening its democracy, rebuilding its economy, and pursuing meaningful reconciliation, and strongly signaled our commitment to rebuild U.S.-Sri Lanka ties
We are also encouraged by the government’s 100-day program to implement democratic reforms in advance of upcoming parliamentary elections. In its first few weeks in office, the Sirisena administration lifted restrictions on the media and on travel to the North, invited all exiled journalists to return, and moved the NGO Directorate out of the purview of the Ministry of Defense. Just last week, the cabinet approved reforms to limit the power of the executive, and the government has taken welcome steps to address ethnic grievances and fight corruption, for which they have welcomed our assistance.
Despite these encouraging signs, Mr. Chairman, let me be clear. The Sri Lankan people, and the Sirisena government, face tough challenges in the months ahead – including the financial mess they inherited; the difficult road on accountability and reconciliation; and restoring the democratic institutions that were systematically undermined by the previous government, including demilitarization of the former conflict zones. But I want to reiterate the assurances made by President Obama and Secretary Kerry that the United States looks forward to deepening our partnership with Sri Lanka and working with them to advance democracy, prosperity, and dignity for all Sri Lankans.
Now I recognize that this commitment is not reflected in the President’s budget request for assistance to Sri Lanka. I would like to underscore that this budget request was written before Sri Lanka’s democratic transition and reflects the more constrained environment created by the previous government, which forced us to draw down our programs. That is not the Sri Lanka of today and we see tremendous opportunities to assist the country in improving governance, accountability, commerce, and more. We look forward to working closely with this committee and with key committees in the House and Senate to explore options for supporting the democratic transition in Sri Lanka.”