Addressing an Asia Society Event on Monday in New York, Robert O. Blake, Jr., the Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said the economic growth will certainly help Sri Lankans to realize their dreams for themselves and their children but not enough for the lasting peace in the country.
"The solution for lasting peace needs to include not just economic opportunity, but a political climate in which every Sri Lankan feels he or she has an equal stake in the country's future and the ability to realize his or her potential in an open and just society," the former Ambassador to Sri Lanka said.
The Assistant Secretary joined Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN Dr. Palitha Kohona and Executive Vice President of Asia Society Jamie Metzl in a discussion, hosted by the Asia Society to examine how Sri Lanka proposes to achieve national reconciliation and a constitutional settlement to become the "Wonder of Asia" envisioned by President Rajapaksa.
In a speech titled "Sri Lanka Looks Ahead: Will Prosperity Bring Peace?" Assistant Secretary Blake said there is a great deal to be done for Sri Lankans to restore their country and the United States is ready to continue helping Sri Lanka to become the "Wonder of Asia".
Blake pointed out that with an 8 percent GDP growth last year and best health and social indicators in Asia combined with a well-educated young population, Sri Lanka shows great promise in the region.
"As I said, Sri Lanka shows great promise as a country emerging from decades of conflict to become a friendly partner in the region and the world. Of course, national reconciliation is a critical part of this process," he stressed.
Welcoming the appointment of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa as an important step in the reconciliation process, the Assistant Secretary said the Government of Sri Lanka must lead to heal the wounds of more than 25 years of conflict.
The former diplomat highlighted the hosting of currently-ongoing Cricket World Cup, the International Indian Film Awards � the Bollywood Oscars � last year and several other high-profile gatherings as evidence of the dynamism in Sri Lanka.
Blake also encouraged the Sri Lankan government, the private sector, and civil society to draw on the resources and expertise of the many Sri Lankans living in the U.S. and around the world and at the same time asked the expatriate Sri Lankans to respond to overtures from the government to promote development and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
"The end of the conflict presents an opening for everyone that is a friend and partner of the country to help realize the dream of opportunity for all Sri Lankans," the Assistant Secretary said.
While the end of the conflict has presented an incredible opportunity to build a peaceful, just, democratic, united Sri Lanka, Blake said the U.S. is concerned, however, that some developments are shrinking the democratic space and respect for human rights in the country.
Citing an excerpt from a speech by the U.S. President Barak Obama, the Assistant Secretary said the United States support human rights everywhere in the world and it stands with Sri Lanka as a friend and partner in the pursuit to ensure the rights of all Sri Lankans.
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