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US encourages all to vote

18 January 2010 05:00 am - 55     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis says the US would like to see Sri Lankans campaign for the candidate of their choice, debate issues important to Sri Lanka and freely vote for whomever they choose at the Presidential Elections.


In a comment regarding the polls the US Ambassador noted that this past week saw a rise in election-related violence. On Tuesday, a women was killed as she rode the bus, on Saturday another person lost his life, and there are now reports of yet another fatality occurring last night. She says those who lost their lives are not the only victims of these brutal attacks -- democracy is also a victim and such violence undermines the democratic rights and traditions of Sri Lanka.


“Over the past week, the U.S. Embassy issued two statements concerning the upcoming elections here in Sri Lanka. Those two statements underscore our key interests in this election; namely, that they are conducted freely, fairly, credibly and without violence. The U.S. is neutral in this campaign -- no matter who wins the election, the U.S. hopes to continue a strong relationship with Sri Lanka.


I would like to share some additional thoughts and perspectives. This is arguably one of the most significant elections in the history of Sri Lanka. For the first time in decades, Sri Lankans from all parts of the island can exercise their democratic right to choose the person who will lead this country. Sri Lanka has a long history of political debate, and these elections are a continuation of that tradition.


The United States has no preferred candidate in the campaign, and we take special care to ensure that our statements and actions are balanced and focus on the democratic process rather than the end result. As a democracy, we would like to see Sri Lankans take hold of this historic moment and be active in the democratic process: that they campaign for the candidate of their choice; that they debate issues important to Sri Lankas; and that they freely vote for whomever they choose. What's most important is that Sri Lankans can do all of this without the risk of violence, intimidation, or retribution.


This past week saw a rise in election-related violence. On Tuesday, a women was killed as she rode the bus, on Saturday another person lost his life, and there are now reports of yet another fatality occurring last night. Those who lost their lives are not the only victims of these brutal attacks -- democracy is also a victim. Such violence undermines the democratic rights and traditions of Sri Lanka.


We commend the Government for ordering the police to conduct a thorough investigation of all election related violence, no matter which is side is targeted.

As we enter the final week of the campaign, I sincerely hope that violence subsides and that on January 26th, Sri Lankans can vote without violence and intimidation, reaffirming the democratic traditions in a now united and peaceful Sri Lanka,” Ambassador Butenis said.
 


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  Comments - 55

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  • Monday, 18 January 2010 03:41 PM

    Leena, Thats what the Americans would want us to believe. But do you know how much money America granted us in fact. A few millions, which is peanuts.Given only to insult us.America abandoned us in our time of need. Now you can GO FLY A KITE.We need neither your money nor comments anymore.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 10:11 AM

    What you said or done we vote MR.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 10:12 AM

    Hey Pat we detest US interference in our nation. We know in all your previous stations you toppled the people's govt in those countries (e.g. Bangaladesh) We know why Hillary sent you here. WE never invited you. Did you think we Sri Lankans can be manipulated so easily even as you pump the money and add pressure? We are a self respecting people.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 10:34 AM

    Srilankans will never miss their voting rights.I think they knew
    the excellent value of their action of choosing a president.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 10:46 AM

    What right has US got to speak about Sri Lankan elections? The US Ambassdor in Sri Lanka is here ONLY to lokk after the interests of USA in Sri Lanka not otherwise.

    I would like this fact relayed to the Ambassodor incase she has forgotten her EXACT role in Sri Lanka!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 10:49 AM

    Yes they will, by voting for SF...!!!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 11:06 AM

    What is important is the sound advice given; no matter from whom; be it by the US Ambassaor or Ambassador of Timbaktu . When our mistake is pointed out we must be matute enough to accept the advice and rectify. Let not democracy suffer !

    Monday, 18 January 2010 11:25 AM

    Never mind by whom the advice was given. We should be matured enough, to accept it and correct the situation.If not, Democracy, in this country,will suffer

    Monday, 18 January 2010 11:42 AM

    I get nervous every time when this lot release a statement about SL..Maybe they are just pampering us up for a grand finale.....did anyone leak the news about the oil exploration?

    Monday, 18 January 2010 11:53 AM

    But...Don't Imitate us !.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 12:13 PM

    "Those who embrace US are traitors" Upul Kauru, are they include our defence secretary who is a US citizen ?

    Monday, 18 January 2010 01:08 PM

    It's lovely Madam, Hope the citizens will comply with your request .

    Monday, 18 January 2010 01:26 PM

    Because they want SF to comeinto power to divide our country ....

    Monday, 18 January 2010 02:12 PM

    US Ambassador Patricia Butenis this is the first Presidential election you are going to witness after assuming office. As citizens of this country majority of the peace lovers like to have a free and fair election. But will the politicians work towards a peaceful election. Sometimes in this civilised world I feel we are far backward when we see the election violence in Sri Lanka. Hope you all will spend some money on educating the public as why they should elect a goverment and what is the duty of the citizen as well as the government towards the citizen. . This is the country in the world where more than 50% of the MPs are ministers in this nation. I think we got to get rid of demo-crazy traditions and embrace democratic tradition.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 10:09 AM

    All talk as if they have never heard of polls violence in SL . Have they been on another planet ????

    Monday, 18 January 2010 03:49 PM

    Oh great! The US ambassador has made an announcement. NOW things will be all perfect! All this time this is what we have been waiting for to have a free and fair election.....An announcement from the US ambassador.DONT MAKE US LAUGH!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 04:07 PM

    Two words. Election violence under our great ruler. Not a very good ruler is he?

    Monday, 18 January 2010 04:48 PM

    The worry is those in power have mastered the art of stuffing ballot boxes. Let's not leave room for that.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 04:55 PM

    Do you know that we win elections by hook or crook

    Monday, 18 January 2010 05:22 PM

    Ms. Butenis' reputation of "helping" the military interference in democracy, is well-known, both in Bangladesh and Pakistan. Butenis is no champion of democracy. Her interests are otherwise.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 05:41 PM

    Asks "all to vote" - my foot!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 11:37 PM

    Please don't put your 'fingers' into our internal matters! Please don't play a 'double-game.'

    Monday, 18 January 2010 11:54 PM

    Wherever you went, you advocated a 'regime change,' and you did all you could to topple the government of the day. Butenis: Hands off Sri Lanka! You will never succeed in changing the regime, here!

    Tuesday, 19 January 2010 05:35 AM

    why are you so afraid of Uncle Sam? All the lies and millions spent for MRs propagenda machinery will not bring him to power and the people of Sri Lanka will teach him a lesson on 26 . Please note that the ballot is stronger than the bullet.He cannot face SF on an open debate as we see in US with Presidential Candidates.Democracy is a mockery in Sri lanka.

    Tuesday, 19 January 2010 05:54 AM

    Hi guys you all are loosers , who ever wins its us who is going to suffer Mr has taken loans from China etc and if SF come he will have to pay it back also if MR retains the title then he will have to pay it back . so on the long run who ever who despite who wins we suffer

    Wednesday, 20 January 2010 07:33 AM

    All vote
    No hora vote

    Wednesday, 20 January 2010 10:15 AM

    MR is trying to win this election by hook or by crook. Election commissioner's recent comments confirm this. God help democracy in SL.

    Wednesday, 20 January 2010 11:36 AM

    we dont have our cards!!!!!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:26 AM

    thats the difference between us and them.
    Mature democracy vs immature democracy!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 06:36 AM

    The actions planned by the govt will be terrible on 26th.

    Hence, all Sri Lankans should vote as soon as possible on the day.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 06:38 AM

    What I don't understand is why US is getting involved in Sri Lankan politics. I feel US must mind their own business and leave it to the sri lankan people and politicians to take decisions at the presidential elections.
    Sri Lanka never made statements when there were elections in US and what made them to comment as above. Who knows what underhand work is going on?

    Monday, 18 January 2010 06:40 AM

    Is it an Encouragement or Order!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:00 AM

    You are absolutely right Rohan. It appears that the Government is unleashng violence in the highest magnitude to get an undue "victory" in this election. US & all other countries should demand the Govt. to not make a "killing field" in Sri Lanka.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:01 AM

    OK !!!!!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:04 AM

    Sri Lankans generally have a better voting record than US citizens. Sri Lanka also allowed women (and all above 18) to vote long before the US did.
    We don't need advice from the US in this regard. Thanks but no thanks!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:05 AM

    The independent Election Monitors must play an important role to ensure that the elections are fair - if not we will waste another 6 years in the wilderness. Change is in the offing

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:09 AM

    CP, you are talking from what part of your anantomy. Can't you see the way Sri Lankan politicians are behaving. Did you hear of any violations like in Sri Lanka taking place in US during their elections. Pls grow up!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:11 AM

    Did something ungodly happen last time MR won?
    I don't really recall. May be you would like to enlighten us on the basis for this assumption?
    Or were you so young that you did not see what happened after 1977 elections? Also forgot about 1983, when the rule of law fell by the wayside with presidential approval? I would not want to waste more of my time pointing out other examples...
    Think before you speak. Just because the Internet is free and one can express opinions, it does not mean you can entirely ignore reality and facts.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:13 AM

    Total polled would be 60%-65%

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:18 AM

    CP, you think Sri Lanka and U.S. have the same international weight? That's the difference. Anyway, regardless of who says or not, I think everyone who vote early, and I hope that this climate of violence stops for good.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:25 AM

    Do we allow USA to de-rail our hard won progress?

    Recent IMF Report says : “Sri Lanka right now is Unstoppable.”

    All Sri Lankan patriot will give good answer to “Ambassador Butenis” on 27th Jan 2010.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:26 AM

    Thank you madam Pactricia

    Monday, 18 January 2010 06:30 AM

    As much as you encourage all to vote, please impress upon the Govt to ensure that proper environment be made to enable the people to vote without any hindrance.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:34 AM

    This is ridiculous as the voter out-turn at US elections are ALWAYS less than 45%!!!!!

    It is indeed difficult to consider even "good advise" from these foreigners who are ONLY interested in their National or Personal advantages.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:41 AM

    DXB, How george Bush elected ? was it a fair election ?

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:44 AM

    Ok madam,

    We will vote as you say

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:44 AM

    Why US is interested in the form of motivating people to vote? Must be with the hope of SF will be elected.NO NO it will be the other way around. MR will definitely win. What does Rohan say is the govt. to offer the presidence to SF in a platter? All will have to face the same situation which perisits in Sri Lanka when elections are conducted. No one has changed it and it can not be changed as well. Elections are normally wil violence. It is a general phenominum.

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:53 AM

    Not to worry US SF will win the election easily !!!!!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 07:54 AM

    This might consider as the human face of US foreign policy. But the actual face of the Devil is comming behind

    Monday, 18 January 2010 08:04 AM

    Ane PALA...!!!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 08:18 AM

    Those who embrace US are traitors. That is why we have assured a big victory to MR

    Monday, 18 January 2010 08:33 AM

    Upul are you sleeping and dreaming about a MR victory .

    Monday, 18 January 2010 08:36 AM

    You need American money to feed Sri Lankans but you do not have the heart to listen to their advice. Loosers !!!

    Monday, 18 January 2010 09:04 AM

    A direct interference in Sri Lankas internal affairs which must be dealt with the way it deserves. . Diplomats have no right to comment on internal affairs .

    Monday, 18 January 2010 10:01 AM

    PLEASE VOTE TO WIN OUR CONSPIRACY........


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