US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for South and Southeast Asia Dr Amy Searight discussed accountability and justice mechanisms with senior Sri Lankan military leaders, as she concluded her visit to the island this week.
A US embassy press release said Dr Searight met with Sri Lanka’s Chief Defence Staff and the respective Tri-Service Commanders, “to stress the need for land returns, reconciliation and a credible transitional justice mechanism, and to discuss future security requirements”.
Dr Searight also “placed a priority on meeting with human rights activists and emphasized the “key role civil society plays in informing military policy and defense relationships”,” added the press release.
“She raised their concerns about accountability and reconciliation efforts in discussions with senior military leaders,” it further said.
The Sri Lankan government’s efforts on security sector reform, as well as training and vetting personnel for United Nations peacekeeping operations were also a topic of discussion, after Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena called for increased involvement with peacekeeping operations earlier this year.
Sri Lankan troops were expelled from Haiti for sexually abusing children in 2007, with 111 soldiers and 3 officers were repatriated back to Sri Lanka after being part of UN mission in Haiti and were accused of a string of sexual assaults, including rape of children as young as 7 years old. No prosecutions or punishments have taken place.
See our earlier posts:
No mercy for soldiers found guilty of abuse says French president (30 April 2015)
ICP questions UN on impunity for SL peacekeepers (18 September 2013)
Haitian sexual abuse troops remain unpunished (11 January 2012)
Rs 18 billion paid to Sri Lanka for UN peace keeping missions (09 July 2012)
Haitian lawyers condemn impunity for Sri Lankan soldiers (11 September 2011)
Child rape impunity no bar to UN peacekeeping deal with Sri Lanka (27 May 2011)
Sri Lanka forces fire into Haitian civilians (25 November 2009)
UN confirms sex charges against Sri Lankan troops in Haiti child abuse (09 April 2008)
Rape by Sri Lankan troops resurfaces – in Haiti (07 November 2007)