[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE SRI LANKAN CIVIL WAR

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                            HON. BRAD MILLER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2010

  Mr. MILLER of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, today marks the one-year 
anniversary of the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka, which is a reason 
to be hopeful about the future of Sri Lanka. However, I also rise to 
voice my concern for a community at risk. The viability of a 
traditionally Tamil region in Sri Lanka is under threat. Since the 
beginning of the war, one third of the Tamil population was driven off 
the island and many more were displaced. A large area in the north 
central part of the island that was a predominantly Tamil area is now 
almost devoid of Tamils. According to the United Nations, more than 60 
percent of homes in the north have been seriously damaged by the 
fighting. To make matters worse, many Sinhalese families moved into 
traditional Tamil areas while Tamil inhabitants were kept in detention 
camps following the end of the war. Finally, Tamil homes, churches, 
temples and cemeteries were destroyed during the war with no assurance 
from the Sri Lankan Government that they will be rebuilt. Sri Lanka's 
Tamil population is in danger of losing their identity and their 
traditional homeland. The United Nations has warned that ``donor 
fatigue'' in Sri Lanka has resulted in the United Nations receiving 
only 24 percent of the donor funds it needs to help displaced Tamils. 
Madam Speaker, I urge the international community to renew their 
efforts and take action so the Tamil culture and history is not lost.

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