The United States suggested the government of Sri Lanka to make public a strategy and timetable for implementation of the reforms and commitments outlined in the UN Resolution 30/1. Delivering a statement during the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka at the 34th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Wednesday in Geneva, Head of U.S. Delegation William J. Mozdzierz particularly commended the government’s public consultations with civil society and victims across Sri Lanka. The U.S. official also recognized the joint efforts of President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, and Opposition Leader Sampanthan in drafting a new, more inclusive and democratic constitution, passing legislation to establish an Office of Missing Persons, and ratifying the Convention on Enforced Disappearances. Noting that the reconciliation processes are complex, Mozdzierz said the Council hoped to see greater and more sustained progress over the past 18 months. “While over 4,500 acres of land have been returned to private owners, many thousands of acres seized during the conflict period remain under military control. While arbitrary and illegal actions by security officials appear vastly reduced from the number reported during the previous government, we are concerned by reports of continued arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence, and harassment by security officials,” the official highlighted. He said the Government statements against international participation in any future Sri Lankan judicial mechanism raise understandable concerns among victims and families about the integrity of any judicial process.
