[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 71 (Monday, May 20, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL WAR IN SRI LANKA

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                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2013

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 4th anniversary of 
the end of the tragic civil war in Sri Lanka that has cost many lives 
and destroyed many futures.
   As Sri Lanka and its people slowly begin to return to normalcy, 
there is still much that the government of Sri Lanka must do to achieve 
true peace. While the war has ended, the conflict between its people 
still goes on. In particular, I am troubled that not enough progress is 
being made towards true political reconciliation. The deaths of 
thousands of civilians, on both sides, during the war must be 
investigated and addressed to truly begin the process of healing.
   In addition, it is important to recognize that the Tamils must be 
integrated and become full and valued citizens of the country for true 
reconciliation to occur; this includes preventing forced displacement 
and the uprooting of families and communities from their homes. The US-
sponsored resolution that passed the United Nations Human Rights 
Council this March that urged the Sri Lankan government to credibly and 
independently investigate the allegations of international human rights 
violations is a good first step.
   I urge the government of Sri Lanka to work with the international 
community and the United Nations to adopt an international mechanism 
towards reconciliation for all people.

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