Sri Lanka on Sunday rejected “patently unfair” allegations by the United States that its rights record had deteriorated in the five years since the end of a war.

Foreign Minister G. L. Peiris said remarks by Nisha Biswal, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, at the end of a two-day visit on Saturday suggested that she wanted to believe the worst of the regime in Colombo.

“Her observations are indicative of a mindset that solely wants to believe the worst and enthusiastically leaps to conclusions based on tendentious claims,” a foreign ministry official quoted Peiris as saying.

Biswal told reporters in Colombo on Saturday that the US was concerned about the worsening human rights situation as well as the weakening of the rule of law and an increase in the levels of corruption and impunity in Sri Lanka since a 37-year conflict ended in May 2009.

“All of these factors lead to undermine the proud tradition of democracy in Sri Lanka,” Biswal said, adding that Washington was moving a third resolution against Colombo in as many years to nudge the island to improve its rights record.

Biswal said Colombo had failed to ensure reconciliation, justice and accountability, and pressure was building for a foreign probe.

“Lack of progress in Sri Lanka has led to a great deal of frustration and scepticism in my government and in the international community,” Biswal said. “The international community’s patience is wearing thin.”
But Peiris said her observations were based on unsubstantiated allegations.

“The treatment of Sri Lanka (by the US) is highly selective and patently unfair,” Peiris said.

Sri Lanka is under increasing international pressure to probe its own troops over allegations that they killed thousands of civilians in the final stages of the war.

President Mahinda Rajapakse’s government denies any civilians were killed by its troops and has rejected calls for an international inquiry.

Peiris had closed-door talks Friday with Biswal who also met with opposition figures and non-governmental organisations during her visit.

Government forces declared victory nearly five years ago after wiping out the leadership of Tamil Tiger rebels in a no-holds-barred offensive.

At least 100,000 people were killed during the war, according to UN figures. (AFP)


Full statement


Reacting to comments made to the media by the visitingUS Asst. Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs,NishaBiswal, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson made the following observations:

•    It is evident from this visit and that which preceded from the US,as well as intrusive behavior by other representatives of that country, that there is a desire to believe the worst of Sri Lanka and seek to build on that premise to justify punitive action against the country.

•    The claims, be it on the paceof implementation of the LLRC, allegations of religious intolerance or insufficient progress in addressing reconciliation and accountability, are unsubstantiated.  They have been as preposterous as a visiting US official stating to being convinced of a figure of 40,000 missing persons based on a purported census of 2008 carried out by a civil society institution.Reckless and irresponsible statements without evidence have been recoursed to in order to create an impactto give way to prejudged action.

•    In fact the latest allegation of religious intolerance repeatedly stated by the USappears to be in order to give credence to isolated incidents as a regular occurrence.  It is well known that many of the facilities for religious worship which have been targeted are those operating in violation of the guidelines governing the establishment of these places.  It has generally been found that these incidents have been a reaction on the part of the community resident in those areas. Attributing blame to the government is totally unwarranted.  While legal action has been taken with regard to some incidents, others have been settled amicably. Therefore, the criticism is grossly disproportionate and politically motivated.  

•    Details of evidence have been requested with regard to allegations of individuals who have met with foreign officialsbeing intimidated.  However, such information has not been forthcoming, thereby drawing damaging conclusions.Such intimidating action could be resorted to by interested parties in order to bring disrepute to the Government of Sri Lanka.  Therefore, it is imperative to receive the required information for investigations to be initiated.


•    The Government of Sri Lanka more than any other entity, including short term visitors to the country, has the paramount interest of maintaining a peaceful and unified Sri Lanka.  The action of a US spearheaded Resolution in the UN Human Rights Councilruns completely counter to the position that countryis motivated with an “inclusive vision” in this regard.It is well known that such action only serves to polarize the communities within Sri Lanka and outside, causing a strain on the sensitivereconciliation process.It also seeks to divide the international community, whereas keeping them in a cohesive group would serve Sri Lanka better through assisting in meeting the challenges.

•    There is a lack of objectivity in recognizing the substantial progressin addressing the challenges during the brief span of 4½ years since the endof an armed conflict of 30 years.Therefore, “patience wearing thin” is a misnomer.  It is the trajectory of the democratically elected Government of Sri Lanka to ensure the best for its people.Statements during the last few days are indicative of a desire to believe the worst and to work to a preconceived political agenda.

•    Bona fide friendship is extremely welcome.  However, the basis of a friendship is formed through fairness and open mindedness and not predetermined conclusions.

•    The assertion that the US does not want to see Sri Lanka being left behind in Asia’s economic progress is patronizing.  As a country that faced a protracted conflict, Sri Lanka has already demonstrated economic resilienceand a projection of sustained economic stability.  

•    As a sovereign state and one of Asia’s oldest democracies, Sri Lanka does not wish to be dictated to by others in the international community in the conduct of its internal affairs.



Ministry of External Affairs
02nd February 2014