US commends Lanka’s efforts for reconciliation, govt. reforms

The United States have commended the Government’s efforts for a sustainable reconciliation during past ten months, a visiting top US official said yesterday.

US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power commended the commitment of the Sri Lankan Government to ensure democracy and freedom, and Government reforms when she called on President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday at the Presidential Secretariat.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also participated in the meeting with Ambassador Power.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power meets President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat – Pic by Sudath Silva, President’s Media Unit

Power said the new Government is performing in a more trustworthy and acceptable manner in implementing of the process of reconciliation and suggested broadening the relationships between the officials and the institutions who are implementing this program.

She commended the transformations that are being made in the country and stated that there is a new awakening in the country due to those changes.

“It is commendable that the President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena is giving up the power while leaders of Asia and Africa are trying to centralise power in their hands. This is a worthy example for the world leaders,” she said.

Power stated these new political reforms in the country would definitely result in economic benefits. “Sri Lanka will emerge as a beacon light due to them,” she said. She also said the international community is observing the new program of Sri Lanka.

President Siresena thanked the US government for the assistance provided for reconciliation process in the country. He further said that the reconciliation process will be based on finding the truth, giving justice and ensuring non-recurrence.

The President pointed out that the Government has to work with different types of social groups with different ideologies and therefore Sri Lanka faces many challenges. “In that context the Government has the responsibility to act patiently,” President said.

President apprised the Ambassador of the steps taken by the Government during the past ten months to ensure freedom, strengthen democracy and eliminate poverty.

President Sirisena noted that he was able to hand over the power to the Parliament and to the independent commissions which was centered on executive presidency.

He further said that the government will continue to work with commitment to the release of lands in the North and resettlement process for the remaining displaced persons as well as the development of those areas.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and President’s advisor on Foreign Affairs Austin Fernando also gave a brief description at this event. US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap also participated in this event.