US remembers Mullaitivu victims

The United States (US) commemorated the victims of the final stages of the war in Mullaitivu where the former Government had disputed the numbers on those believed to have been killed.

Tom Malinowski, US Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, who concluded a visit to Sri Lanka today, said that he walked along the beach in Mullaitivu where thousands were believed to have been killed. He said that he was emotionally moved during his visit to the area and had paid his last respects on behalf of the US to those killed from both sides during the final weeks of the war. Malinowski, who had also visited Aluthgama while in Sri Lanka, also noted that he found that all Sri Lankans want a Government which is transparent and accountable. He noted progress being shown by the new Government on several issues and assured assistance from the US in addressing those issues. Malinowski said that the former Government often rejected most concerns while the new Government is doing the opposite. On the issue of those reported missing during the war, Malinowski said that he had met some of the families, and he feels that while some issues will take time to be resolved, the families of those missing should be given answers sooner than later.