October 21, 2011
by Zacki Jabbar
The United States of America was concerned about the growing Chinese influence including military ties with Sri Lanka, visiting US Republican Congressman Jack Kingston said in Colombo on Thursday.
Asked at a press conference in Colombo, as to how the USA which was earlier one of Sri Lanka’s closet allies felt about being distanced due to improved Sri Lanka-China bilateral relations including trade and military cooperation, Kingston who represents the State of Georgia admitted that America viewed the situation with a great deal of concern.
The growing Chinese military presence in the Indian Ocean was the most worrying, he noted.
Questioned as to how the USA planned to neutralise the increasing Chinese prescence, the congressman said that the historic ties between Sri Lanka and America which had encompassed many areas including trade, politicial and military cooperation should be strengthened.
Sri Lanka’s geographical location was important from a military standpoint and it was imperative that America does not lose sight of that fact, he observed.
Kingston, said that even though the LTTE had been physically defeated, it was still active in various parts of the world through front organizations and needs to addressed.
Kingston, was part of a three member US Congressional delegation comprising Republican Party members headed by Albert Benjamin Chandler and Joseph Heath Schuler who were here on fact finding tour, to assess the Sri Lankan governments post war rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation efforts, on the invitation of Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Mexico and the US Julia Wickramasuriya.
Chandler, who represents the North Carolina State said that human rights issues were important, but a balanced view had to be taken following the end of a near thirty year old war, during which a deadly terror outfit had been defeated.
There was no easy solution to a conflict that had lasted so long, but it was imperative that the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation process was implemented, he observed when questioned about war crimes allegations that had been levelled against the Mahinda Rajapaksa regime.
"We understand that the Sri Lankan government is to submit its reply to the UN in November, but that is not a matter that concerns us at this point in time."
They had visited the North and several other areas and also met President Mahinda Rajapaksa, government and opposition leaders and the Defence Secretary and discussed a whole range of issues including rehabilitation, housing, fishing and other livelihood measures, Chandler said.
"We were impressed with the post war development that is taking place", the delegation members said adding that they would individually submit their views and suggestions to the American government including the potential for trade and investments.
The USA, he said would continue to assist and also invest in Sri Lanka, while continuing the ban on the LTTE.
Jaliya Wickremassuriya said that the Sri Lankan government having defeated the LTTE would secure the rights of the Tamils and the internally displaced people.
