“I ask you to clearly outline the steps that the US government will take to support reform [ in Sri Lanka], including efforts to implement recommendations from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and ensure that development and security assistance are in line with reform efforts”says Edward Royce, chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs in a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry.
The letter further says that “it is important that the US carry out a clearly-articulated policy to support reform in Sri Lanka and urge Kerry to press the Government of Sri Lanka to take immediate steps to release political prisoners, repeal the war-time “Prevention of Terrorism Act”, and return land seized during the conflict.
Read the letter as a PDF here: 03 08 16 – DOS Secretary John F Kerry Support for Increased Engagement with Sri Lanka