[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 85 (Thursday, May 16, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H3278-H3279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CONFLICT IN SRI LANKA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Nickel) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. NICKEL. Madam Speaker, May 18 marks 15 years since the end of Sri 
Lanka's almost 30-year armed conflict, a war that tragically ended 
hundreds of thousands of lives. This conflict shattered families and 
communities, leaving deep scars that are still felt to this day.
  This week, I am introducing a resolution that commemorates those lost 
and aims to protect the Tamil community from future violence and 
discrimination.
  My resolution recognizes the genocide in Sri Lanka and affirms of 
right of Tamils to self-determination through a democratic process.
  The Tamil people have a long history of distinct cultural and 
political identity on the island now known as Sri Lanka.

                              {time}  1015

  Historically, they lived in sovereign Tamil kingdoms that were 
forcibly merged under a single administration in 1833 by the British. 
This erasure of autonomy set the stage for decades of strife, conflict, 
and suppression, culminating in war.
  My resolution emphasizes the need for a peaceful and democratic 
solution to ongoing tensions in Sri Lanka. It advocates for an 
independence referendum, a process that has been used successfully to 
resolve similar conflicts in other parts of the world. This approach 
echoes our commitment to democratic principles and underscores our 
support for human rights globally.
  Additionally, my resolution calls on the United States to strengthen 
diplomatic ties and support the Tamil people's pursuit of justice and 
self-determination. It highlights the ongoing challenges in the region, 
including the militarization of Tamil areas, the appropriation of land, 
and the destruction of cultural heritage, which continue to exacerbate 
the grievances of the Tamil community.
  Today, as we remember the end of a dark chapter in Sri Lanka's 
history, we

[[Page H3279]]

should also look to the future, a future in which the rights and 
dignity of all people are upheld and respected. Let's stand together in 
advocating for a peaceful, democratic solution that respects the Tamil 
people's right to decide their own future.
  This resolution is not just symbolic. It is a crucial step toward 
healing, justice, and a lasting peace.
  We are seeing recognition and support grow slowly but surely for this 
issue. Thanks to the Tamil community's continued advocacy and 
partnership, Members of Congress are now discussing this issue.
  We have a caucus called the Ethnic and Religious Freedom in Sri Lanka 
Caucus, specifically to address the Federal Government's role in 
righting this wrong. We are making real progress, and I am proud to co-
chair this caucus.
  We started with advocacy and legislation when I was a State senator 
in North Carolina, and now we are continuing the fight in the United 
States Congress by introducing a resolution that affirms the right of 
Tamils to pursue an independence referendum.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues in the House to support 
this important legislation. It is an opportunity for us to lead by 
example, to champion the values of democracy and human rights, and to 
make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Tamil people.

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