US praises Sri Lanka’s success in rebuilding and reconciliation

Lanka will be an example to the world says US

A top ranking United States official in the Obama administration says Sri Lanka’s success in rebuilding the country and reconciliation among  people will be an example to the rest of the world, fraught with conflict at this time.

The United States Under Secretary of State (Designate) for Political Affairs, Ambassador Thomas Shannon, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday on a three-day official visit, made this remark when he visited the Eastern Province, Tuesday.

Ambassador Tom Shannon visited the port city of Trincomalee in the Eastern Province as part of continued U.S. engagement  Sri Lanka, and met with government officials and civil society leaders to discuss the development and progress of U.S. funded projects and importance of ‪human rights‬ and transitional justice for reconciliation.

During the tour in the Eastern Province, Ambassador Shannon and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap joined Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan, Eastern Province Governor Austin Fernando and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the U.S. Prasad Kariyavasam, to visit historic Koneswaran Hindu Temple in Trincomalee.

He also met the workers at the Amaranthe Bay Resort & Spa, an innovative USAID - US Agency for International  Development project to create more jobs for the local community. Speaking at the hotel, Ambassador Shannon said the Amaranthe Bay Resort is a wonderful example of what is possible when the vision and hard work of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs are mixed with the expertise of USAID professionals.

The U.S. official said it is exciting to witness first-hand the important work that communities, civil society organizations, and local authorities across the island are undertaking to improve the living standards of Sri Lankans.

“I am impressed by the progress your country has made, both economically and socially,” he commented.

Recalling that for nearly 60 years, U.S. development assistance has invested in the people of Sri Lanka, in their communities, and in the relationship between the two nations, Ambassador Shannon said U.S. programs have ranged across the country and spanned almost every sector, including agricultural development, environment and natural resources, health, education, democracy and governance, economic growth, and humanitarian assistance.

“This partnership has resulted in remarkable achievements over the past six decades: controlling and eradicating malaria, modernizing the rail transportation network, improving nutrition, enhancing irrigation, developing Chambers of Commerce, and much, much more,” he said.

He recalled that when the devastating tsunami struck in 2004, USAID was there to help Sri Lankans rebuild: financing the reconstruction of the Arugam Bay Bridge, fishing harbors, vocational training centers, and a water supply system. Throughout Sri Lanka’s conflict, and in its aftermath, USAID helped over one million people get access to the food, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, and support that they needed to survive. The U.S. official noted that USAID is also providing training in advanced agricultural methods and technology to young farmers from Trincomalee to help them to increase their productivity and their incomes, strengthening their communities.

“We are proud to have played a part in the amazing things Sri Lanka has accomplished over nearly 60 years. And in the decades ahead, we will continue to focus on areas critical to long-term progress. We will work toward equitable economic growth especially in less-developed regions - creating more jobs and higher incomes. And we will work toward an enhanced partnership between the state, civil society, and citizens. That means a strong legal system, a robust civil society, and an effective government that is able to deliver services to all Sri Lankans,” Ambassador Shannon pledged.

The official said the U.S. will continue its support to communities in the East, currently worth more than Rs. 3.2 billion ($23 million). “We are supporting programs that bring together Tamil, Sinhalese, and Muslim youth on the sports field. And we are providing them with English language and entrepreneurship training, as well as opportunities for exchange programs, and ways to address issues like gender-based violence.” He said the U.S. is also working with partners in the East to help eradicate the risk from landmines and partnering to help conflict-affected families resettle in their communities. This involves a wide range of services, from shelters to sanitation to schools, he noted.

“It’s been a long road, and there is still far to travel. But the United States will steadfastly support the Sri Lankan people as they continue on their historic journey towards prosperity, peace, and reconciliation. Together, we can build better lives and create better futures for the people of both our nations,” he assured.

The top official said what happens in Sri Lanka is of global consequence.

“Your success in rebuilding your country and reconciling your people will be an example to the rest of the world, so fraught with conflict at this time. The United States is proud to be a partner in this effort and proud to be an ally of Sri Lanka.”