[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 77 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF THE SRI LANKA CONFLICT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2010

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the one year 
anniversary of the end of the civil war in Sri Lanka. Although the war 
ended on May 19th, 2009, much work still needs to be done to ensure 
peace and stability on the island. Despite a pending debt crisis, the 
Sri Lankan government is still expanding its military footprint, 
including a $300 million loan from Russia to purchase new weapons 
systems. I would urge the Congress to include language in the FY11 
Foreign Operations Appropriations bill similar to language included 
last year. This would restrict all military assistance to Sri Lanka 
until the government: First, suspends and brings to justice members of 
the military who have violated internationally recognized human rights 
or international law; respects internationally recognized human rights, 
including the right of due process for suspected ex-combatants; treats 
IDPs in accordance with international standards, and is actively 
working to resettle individuals in their former homes; provides 
unrestricted access to conflict-affected areas and populations by 
humanitarian organizations and journalists; and implements policies to 
promote reconciliation and justice.
  I would encourage my colleagues to support this language until the 
Government of Sri Lanka can prove it is taking the necessary steps to 
secure lasting peace and stability for the island.

                          ____________________