Implementing UN resolution: US says progress slower than expected

The progress of implementing the recommendations laid down in the UN resolution 30/1 on Sri Lanka has been slower than was expected, US Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz said.

The ambassador made this comment to a group of journalists in Matara upon being asked about the progress achieved by the Sri Lankan Government in implementing the recommendations of the UN resolution.

She said the US would want to see more steps taken in the future and added that they think goals laid out in the UNHRC resolution are still really meaningful.

“These goals, if achieved, will go a long way towards reconciliation, accountability and truth-seeking measures. Encouraging people to get to know one another is equally important to show that there is a prosperous and peaceful future for Sri Lanka,” she said.

Although the US withdrew from the UNHR Council, Ambassador Teplitz said the UN resolution that the US co-sponsored along with the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) was about achieving accountability and reconciliation among other goals.

“The resolution shows that the people of Sri Lanka and the government is committed to these goals, to achieve reconciliation, truth-seeking and accountability. That's what's important. We stand by our support to achieve those goals and we look forward to working with both the government and the people along with civil societies, victims and their families in order to reach those goals,” she said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)