[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
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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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