Democratic Congressman commends speedy setting up of IDP centres
VISITING Democratic US Congressman Heath Shuler, yesterday claimed that his country was not blocking Sri Lanka’s attempt to secure a US$ 1.9 billion IMF loan.
Schuler, when asked at press conference in Colombo as to why his country had applied pressure on the IMF to refuse Sri Lanka’s request for a standby facility, said "the US is not blocking the IMF’s loan to Sri Lanka."
Questioned about US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton’s statement that the "time was not proper for IMF assistance to Sri Lanka", he replied "that is not the message I am getting. One has to separate economics from politics."
Schuler, who spent the last several days in Vavuniya, Trincomalee and Colombo, on a fact finding mission along with his congressional delegation, congratulated Sri Lanka, on its victory over terrorism and the governments efforts in speedly establishing IDP camps in Vavuniya and Mannar.
However, he observed that much more needs to be done, including the process of demining and resettling the IDP’s in their original homes safely and as soon as possible.
Schuler said that having visited the IDP centres in Vavuniya and spoken to a number of its occupants, he found that the situation on the ground, was much better than what he had read in the American media.
"During this historic time, it is critical that Sri Lanka, the United States and the international community dedicate the same amount of effort, attention and resources to the post conflict reconciliation process, as it did during the conflict itself."
Admitting that the cordial relationship between the United States and Sri Lanka had deteriorated somewhat over the last one year, he said that they would now go back to their country and speak of the positive aspects witnessed.
Asked if he was satisfied with the activities of the INGO’s in the conflict zones, Schuler said that they had, with the assistance of the international community, done yeoman service in a difficult situation.
Commenting on the conduct of the war by the government and the LTTE, he said that they need to "look at themselves in the mirror" and move forward with an unwavering focus to achieve sustainable peace.
"Sri Lanka’s people are its greatest resources and it now has an incredible opportunity to achieve permanent peace and prosperity. But for that to happen, you have to set aside your differences and ensure that the country never again experiences war and violence." (Courtesy: The Island)
