[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 49 (Tuesday, April 28, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H2351-H2354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING PEOPLE OF SRI LANKA ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR 
                              INDEPENDENCE

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 350) congratulating the people of Sri Lanka on 
the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of their nation's 
independence.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.Res. 350

       Whereas on February 4, 1948, the people of Sri Lanka gained 
     their independence from the British;
       Whereas the people of Sri Lanka and the United States have 
     a common interest in the promotion and preservation of 
     democratic systems of government;
       Whereas the people of Sri Lanka and the United States have 
     had many shared values

[[Page H2352]]

     and interests, including the desire to promote the peaceful 
     development of the South Asian region;
       Whereas Sri Lankan citizens who have visited or lived in 
     the United States, and United States citizens who have 
     visited or lived in Sri Lanka, have done much to improve 
     mutual understanding and build friendship over the past fifty 
     years;
       Whereas United States citizens of Sri Lankan origin have 
     contributed greatly to the advancement of knowledge, the 
     development of the United States economy, and the enrichment 
     of cultural life in the United States;
       Whereas the ties of trade and investment between the United 
     States and Sri Lanka have grown over fifty years to the 
     benefit of the people of both countries; and
       Whereas the fiftieth anniversary of the independence of Sri 
     Lanka offers an opportunity for Sri Lanka and the United 
     States to renew their commitment to international cooperation 
     on issues of mutual interest and concern: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion 
     of the fiftieth anniversary of their nation's independence; 
     and
       (2) looks forward to broadening and deepening United States 
     cooperation and friendship with Sri Lanka in the years ahead 
     for the benefit of the people of both countries.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Luther) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).
  (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)


                             General Leave

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on H. Res. 350.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as the author of H. Res. 350, this Member rises to 
congratulate the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 50th 
anniversary of their nation's independence.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 350 was introduced on February 4, the day that 
Sri Lanka celebrated the 50th anniversary of their independence, by 
this Member, by the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Hamilton), the ranking member of the Committee on International 
Relations, and by the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. 
Berman), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the 
Pacific.
  America's relations with this island nation are very strong and 
productive. The social and economic progress that Sri Lanka has made in 
the last five decades is truly encouraging and has laid a strong 
foundation for its future. Sri Lankan Americans, both Sinhalese and 
Tamil, have made major contributions to American society, and our 
relationship has proven mutually beneficial.
  While the official celebration will last all year, the precise date 
of the 50th anniversary was, as I mentioned, February 4. Major 
celebrations were held on that day, attended by Prince Charles as the 
head of the British delegation.
  Regrettably, the celebrations have been marred by a series of 
bombings. This tragic fact emphasizes the point that a terrible bloody 
civil war continues in Sri Lanka that has cost tens of thousands of 
lives. This Member's purpose in introducing today's resolution is not 
just to discuss the specifics of the ethnic conflict. No, not at all. 
Rather, this Member wishes to give the U.S. House of Representatives an 
opportunity to celebrate and commend the achievements of the people of 
Sri Lanka, Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim alike.
  H. Res. 350 does precisely that. It congratulates the people of Sri 
Lanka and points to this occasion as an opportunity to renew the common 
U.S.-Sri Lankan commitment to international cooperation.
  Mr. Speaker, the Committee on International Relations unanimously 
adopted H. Res. 350. This Member believes that H. Res. 350 represents a 
fitting and balanced expression of congratulations to the people of Sri 
Lanka on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their nation's 
independence.
  This Member also thanks the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the 
distinguished chairman of the Committee on International Relations, for 
moving this initiative in an expeditious manner. This Member also 
expresses appreciation to the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Hamilton), the ranking member of the Committee on International 
Relations, for his constructive additions to this resolution.
  Finally, this Member thanks the distinguished gentleman from 
California (Mr. Berman), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Asia 
and the Pacific, for his important assistance in speeding this 
resolution to the House.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge unanimous adoption of H. Res. 350.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LUTHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, 
and I rise in support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution; and I commend the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) for his leadership in bringing 
it before the House today.
  Fifty years ago, following the example of our own country, the Sri 
Lankan people threw off the bonds of empire and entered the ranks of 
fully and free independent nations. In the five decades since then, 
notwithstanding economic hardship and civil war, Sri Lanka has proudly 
maintained its independence, promoted economic development, and 
fostered a democratic form of government.
  Sri Lanka has also been a good friend of the United States. The 
people of Sri Lanka have earned our respect and admiration. This 
resolution attempts to convey those sentiments and express our desire 
to see the bonds of friendship that link our two nations broadened and 
deepened in the years ahead. It deserves our support, and I urge my 
colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from American Samoa 
(Mr. Faleomavaega).
  (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I certainly would like to add my 
commendation to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), chairman of 
the Committee on International Relations, and the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Hamilton), our ranking Democratic member, and to the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), as the chairman of our 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific for his authorship on this piece 
of legislation, and also the gentleman from California (Mr. Berman), 
the ranking member of our Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the House Resolution 350, a 
measure congratulating the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of their 
50th anniversary of the independence of the Democratic Socialist 
Republic of Sri Lanka from Great Britain.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be an original cosponsor of this 
measure. And again, I commend the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Bereuter), chairman of the House Committee on International Relations 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, for introducing this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, earlier this year on February 4, Sri Lanka celebrated 
its 50th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule, which 
ended on February 4, 1948. I join my colleagues in commemorating the 
golden jubilee independence celebration of Sri Lanka and offer my 
sincere congratulations to her excellency, President Chandrika 
Kumaratunga, and the good people of Sri Lanka.
  Sri Lanka, unlike much of Asia, has had a long tradition of a 
functioning democratic system of government. Since 1931, and even 
before the grant of its independence, voting rights were exercised by 
men as well as women. During the five decades since independence, Sri 
Lanka has held regular national elections as well as provincial and 
local government elections. The last parliamentary election was held in 
August of 1994, with a Presidential election taking place in November 
1994. With a voter turnout of over 70 percent, President Kumaratunga 
was overwhelmingly elected into office. The most recent election in Sri 
Lanka was in the conflict-ridden Jaffna Peninsula,

[[Page H2353]]

where in January the people of Jaffna elected local administrators.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States is Sri Lanka's largest trading 
partner, and over 90 American companies have investments there, 
including Motorola, IMC Agrico, Coca-Cola, and American Express and 
others. In 1977, Sri Lanka was the first country in South Asia to adopt 
economic liberalization policies, which shifted the economy away from 
state controls and subsidies and paved the way for the private sector 
to become the engine of growth.
  Sri Lanka's shift to a market-oriented system has become very 
successful, with the country recording some 6 percent economic growth 
in 1997. A major factor aiding Sri Lanka's economic growth has been the 
highly-educated work force. The government provides free education from 
elementary school through university levels, and the result has been a 
national literacy rate of 90 percent. The government also extends free 
health care services, and Sri Lankans enjoy low infant mortality rates 
and an average life expectancy of 70 years.
  Relations between Sri Lanka and the United States date back to 1850, 
when an American, John Black, was officially appointed to head up a 
commercial agency between the governments. With a move to the capital, 
Colombo, the agency office became a U.S. consulate, and upon 
independence in 1948, it was elevated to a United States Embassy.
  Mr. Speaker, this year Sri Lanka and the United States also celebrate 
the golden jubilee of establishing diplomatic relations. In honor and 
in recognition of this occasion, Ambassador Bill Richardson, the United 
States Representative to the United Nations, and Ambassador Karl 
Inderfurth, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, 
recently traveled to Sri Lanka for meetings with President Kumaratunga 
and other high-ranking dignitaries of the Sri Lankan Government.
  Mr. Speaker, despite its prosperity and commitment to democratic 
principles, Sri Lanka, as we all know, has been years threatened by 
separatist movements. In its search for peace, the Government of Sri 
Lanka has proposed extensive devolution of power through constitutional 
reforms to resolve the present ethnic problem in the country through a 
negotiated settlement. This is a process supported by our government, 
and we should all take steps necessary to encourage the Liberation 
Tigers of Tamil Elam to lay down their arms, stop their terrorism, and 
enter into peaceful negotiations.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge our colleagues to adopt the measure before us 
that congratulates the people of Sri Lanka on their 50th anniversary. 
We should all recognize the many accomplishments of our partners in Sri 
Lanka and the deep and enduring friendship that will always bind the 
good people of Sri Lanka and the people of the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I wish that I could join in the enthusiasm 
that the people of Sri Lanka deserve in celebration of their nation's 
50th anniversary. However, the deadly spiral of violence still gripping 
that beautiful nation makes it difficult to be joyous.
  The Tamil Tigers need to change their methods and learn to compromise 
to obtain their goals. The government must renew its commitment to 
human rights and get back on the ``high road'' of respect for human 
rights. One way it can achieve this is by giving free and unrestricted 
access to the press and human rights organizations.
  We must see an end to the ``disappearances'' of persons taken into 
custody by military and special police units, and the killings of 
moderate Tamil Parliament members and public execution of suspected 
``informers'' or ``traitors'' by the Tamil Tigers.
  Our policy towards Sri Lanka needs closer scrutiny. It is currently 
unbalanced. More attention needs to be placed on giving constructive 
criticism and suggestions that could lead to peace in that long 
troubled nation. Until then, any calls for celebration will ring hollow 
for the Sri Lankan people and their friends.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I wish to join with my colleagues in paying 
tribute to the nation and the people of Sri Lanka during this year of 
celebration of the 50th anniversary of their independence. I want to 
congratulate the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, 
Mr. Bereuter, for introducing this resolution, as well as the Chairman 
of the International Relations Committee, Mr. Gilman, the Ranking 
Democrat of the IR Committee, Mr. Hamilton, the Ranking Democrat of the 
Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, Mr. Berman, and Mr. Faleomavaega, a 
member of the Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, for their support of this 
initiative. I am proud to join my colleagues, as a co-sponsor of this 
Resolution.
  As the co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-
Americans, I welcome the continuing trend toward more attention to the 
vitally important South Asia region on the part of Congress, the 
Administration and the private sector. At the same time, I hope we will 
continue to encourage greater regional cooperation and confidence 
building measures among the nations of South Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, Sri Lanka has been an independent country for the last 
50 years, but relations with the United States have gone as far back as 
1850. John Black, an American merchant residing in Colombo, the capital 
of Sri Lanka, was appointed as the first commercial agent. His job was 
to assist American shipping with Sri Lanka. Now, 150 years later, the 
United States is Sri Lanka's largest trading partner, accounting for 
30% of Sri Lanka's exports, with 90 U.S. companies having invested in 
mining and textiles. Furthermore, U.S. investments will reach $500 
million after the completion of certain trade agreements.
  Bi-lateral relations between the two countries have always remained 
strong. We can see this in numerous economic and technical support 
programs, trade and investment agreements, and the continuous exchange 
of high level officials--the most high-profile being the visit by First 
Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in 1995.
  We have signed agreements to protect investments and intellectual 
property rights to foster trade and encourage economic growth. In fact, 
the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is in Sri Lanka and works with the Sri 
Lanka government in creating an investment friendly climate.
  Sri Lanka rose to international prominence when on July 21, 1960, the 
Sri Lanka Parliament appointed Ms. Bandaranike as the prime minister of 
Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka became the first country in the world to appoint a 
woman as the head of state. Interestingly enough, in a part of the 
world, where many Westerners believe women are being treated as second 
class citizens, Sri Lanka became the first country to recognize a 
women's ability to lead a nation. This led to women heads of government 
in Bangladesh, Britain, France, India, Israel, Norway, Pakistan, Poland 
and Turkey.
  Sri Lanka was the first country in South Asia to introduce economic 
liberalization policies (1977) and shifted away from state controls. 
Recently, Sri Lanka has embarked on market oriented reforms that have 
allowed the economy to grow by 6% last year.
  Unfortunately, Sri Lanka been plagued with ethnic violence. Despite 
this, Sri Lanka continues to be one of the few countries in South Asia 
committed to democracy. For the last 50 years, Sri Lanka has held 
national, provincial and local government elections. Sri Lanka has 
provided universal adult suffrage, including women. Indeed, Sri Lanka 
had democratic elections 20 years prior to independence, when it was 
part of the British Empire. Thus, Sri Lanka is one of the oldest 
practicing democracies in the developing world.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt in my mind that the next 50 years 
holds tremendous potential for Sri Lanka. With the recent collapse of 
the East Asian economies, and the South Asian economies remaining 
stable, is a strong indication that Sri Lanka and the rest of South 
Asia will demonstrate new economic strength.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my deep pleasure to rise in support of 
H. Res. 350, which I cosponsored with Mr. Bereuter, in honor of the 
people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of 
their nation's independence.
  We have a long and deep friendship with Sri Lanka, dating back at 
least to 1789 when the first American traders visited Colombo, and 
followed in the early part of the 19th century by American missionaries 
and educators, who established the first boarding school for girls in 
Asia in 1824.
  We established a consulate as early as 1874.
  We are most proud of the role played by Colonel Henry Steel Olcott in 
promoting the study of Buddhism. The enlightened altruism demonstrated 
by Colonel Olcott continues to motivate our relations with Sri Lanka.
  Today, our relations are being further solidified by our growing 
economic and political relationship. We are now Sri Lanka's largest 
trading partner. Most recently, the First Lady visited--the first, I 
hope, of many such visits, including perhaps that of the President 
later this year.
  As we salute the past, it is also my hope that we will take all 
possible steps to assist in the resolution of the problems which 
afflict Sri Lanka today. The conflict which continues to disturb the 
rich Sri Lankese political culture is deeply disturbing. The recent 
terrorist bombing at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the

[[Page H2354]]

American decision to withdraw Peace Corps Volunteers testifies to the 
intensity of that internal conflict. I hope that efforts will be taken 
by all sides to the conflict to seek a peaceful resolution of the civil 
strife for only by ending this dispute will Sri Lanka realize the very 
bright future its people deserve.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution's adoption.
  Mr. LUTHER. Mr. Speaker, I urge unanimous support for the resolution, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H.Res. 350.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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