Blake urges for political settlement and freedom of movement

The United States on Friday underscored the importance of a political reconciliation in Sri Lanka while also urging the government to allow thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to move freely around the country.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake told a meeting at the State Department, “The U.S. has stressed to the government that to achieve a lasting peace, it must promote justice and political reconciliation for all parties and dialogue with all parties, including Tamils inside and outside Sri Lanka, on new mechanisms for devolving power.”  

During a meeting with 16 Sri Lankan-American community representatives, including representatives of U.S.-based Sri Lankan-American cultural and media organizations, Blake also emphasised on the need for the Sri Lankan government to improve human rights and accountability, a statement issued by the US State Department said.   

Assistant Secretary Blake recommended that Sri Lankan Americans seek opportunities to channel their resources and expertise toward supporting national reconciliation and the reconstruction of Sri Lanka.