US makes it official: Fresh resolution against Lanka in March

The US is tabling a “procedural” resolution on Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations sessions in March as a follow-up to the measures that were taken last year a top official said yesterday dealing what political analysts viewed as a strong blow to the Government.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State James Moore, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Vikram Singh, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jane Zimmerman told a media round table at the conclusion of their three-day visit that the procedural resolution was a result of the Sri Lankan government failing to address key human rights and reconciliation issues fast enough.

Moore stressed that the new resolution would only seek to strengthen the previous resolution that was also aimed at improving Sri Lanka’s human rights, democracy and reconciliation efforts.    



Only six media were allowed to be present at the round table in an unusual restriction of media by the U.S. embassy. However, Daily FT reliably learns that the U.S. officials had expressed disappointment at the Sri Lankan Government dragging its feet on implementing recommendations on a key accountability report titled the Lesson’s Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). They had also been perturbed by the Government’s recent controversial impeachment of the Chief Justice in contravention of the country’s constitution as well as failing to address disappearances and abductions.









The opening statement of Moore released to the media after the round table however does not clearly mention the follow-up resolution but rather touches on broader issues of reconciliation.

“In all of our meetings we are discussing Sri Lanka’s efforts to implement its Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission recommendations and National Action Plan, and the importance of accelerated progress to achieve lasting reconciliation and a durable peace.  Key to this will be transparent governance, as well as following through with a process of accountability for events at the end of the war, including civilian casualties and credible allegations of human rights violations. We’ve also discussed the importance of a vibrant civil society, an independent judiciary, a free and independent media, and full respect for human rights.  We welcome the government’s intent to have Northern Provincial Council elections in September and we encourage a resumption of talks between the TNA and the government,” the statement said. 

Despite being encouraged by the government’s pledge to hold elections in the former war torn Northern Province by September the U.S. officials were nonetheless critical of the failure of the Rajapaksa-regime in not moving forward on a political settlement with the Tamil minority even after four years of peace. They called on both the government and the main Tamil party to work together to move ahead with a negotiated settlement as soon as possible.  

However, Moore had commended the government on a number of post-war initiatives including rehabilitation of former Tamil rebels and freedom of movement, which they had observed while touring the island. Reports that top local army officials were being denied training in the U.S. were denied by the delegation that emphasized that even though individuals may be overlooked this would not be applied universally.  

The delegation met with top Sri Lankan officials and civil society leaders during their stay. They now proceed to the Maldives where they will meet government officials and members of political parties to continue support for a way forward that respects Maldivian democratic institutions, the rule of law, and the will of the Maldivian people in the run up to this year’s presidential elections. The delegation winds up its tour in the Maldives on 3 February.  

The visit came after Washington severely criticized the Sri Lankan government’s impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayke, insisting that it would undermine reconciliation efforts after three decades of war and impede foreign investment into the country.

Britain and the Commonwealth have also joined in condemning the removal of Bandaranayake with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) demanding that she be reinstated.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navenetham Pillay described the impeachment as a “calamitous setback for the rule of law in Sri Lanka” and warned that Sri Lanka would have serious repercussions at the upcoming UN sessions in March.

However, a U.S. trade delegation is also due to arrive in the island on 7 February. The multi-sector group is to meet local businesses during the short visit. Zimmerman had insisted during the short meeting with media that the U.S. would continue relations with Sri Lanka even after the UN sessions in March.