Statement upon arrival in Sri Lanka

This is my first visit to Sri Lanka as Deputy Secretary of State. I have come at what is clearly and important moment in Sri Lanka’s history.  As your know, the United States Government has expressed its strong support for the existing ceasefire agreement and for the recently announced upcoming talks between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).

During the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the United States, President Bush and Secretary Powell applauded his efforts to end Sri Lanka’s long civil conflict.  As the Sri Lankan government has supported the United States in its struggle against terrorism, we have supported the Sri Lankan Government’s policy on ending the war here.

The upcoming negotiations will be difficult. There will certainly be setbacks. By agreeing to meet in Thailand, however, both parties have indicated an intent  - we hope a sincere one – to choose peace over war, reconciliation over division. The people of Sri Lanka  - Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslims – as well as the international community expect the government and LTTE to move forward in the negotiations towards a permanent settlement of the conflict that will give Tamils and every other citizen in this country a stake and security in Sri Lanka and keep the country united. We salute the efforts of the Norwegian government in facilitating and advancing this process of national reconciliation.

I was privileged to visit Jaffna earlier today.  In the company of Minister of Economic Reform Milinda Moragoda, I visited the site where a U.S. demining team is at work and the forward defense lines of the Sri Lankan military; toured Chavakachcheri to see first hand the horrific damage caused by the war; and spoke with Jaffna community leaders on the peace process. Altogether it was an informative experience and I greatly appreciate the Sri Lankan Government’s assistance in making the trip possible.

Earlier today, I also had the opportunity to meet representatives from the People’s Alliance, the Tamil National Alliance and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress. I told all of them that the United States wishes to see a peaceful settlement of the civil conflict. We sense that the conditions are favorable for such a desirable outcome.

The relations between Sri Lanka and United States are broad and as strong as they have ever been.  Through our mutual efforts they will continue to improve.