Obama asks Rajapaksa to work for national reconciliation

(February 07, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) US President Barack Obama has asked his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa to seize the opportunity to work for national reconciliation in the post-LTTE era.

In a congratulatory message to Rajapaksa on Sri Lanka's 62nd Independence Day Anniversary celebrations (on February 4), Obama said that for the first time in over a generation, the island nation is not under the shadow of terrorism.

"I urge you to seize this opportunity to provide the leadership that will allow all Sri Lankans to come together and meet their aspirations to live in a country that is rooted in tolerance, respect for human rights, accountability, the rule of law, and freedom of the press- all elements essential for national reconciliation," Obama said.

"The recent end of the war creates a historic opportunity for Sri Lanka to heal the divisions of conflict, and build a society that offers equality and opportunity for all," he said.

The US president said the ties of friendship between the two peoples' date back to 1789, when merchant ships from New England first sailed into Sri Lanka's harbours.

"The United States celebrates this long friendship with the Sri Lankan people and sends its hopes for peace and prosperity throughout Sri Lanka in the coming year," he said in his message.

Obama said the US stands ready to continue their long-lasting bilateral partnership to help build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.