Washington: Congratulating Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re-election as the President of Sri Lanka, the Obama administration has said that he now has an opportunity to go ahead with the political reconciliation process.
At the same time, the administration said it is watching carefully the developments in Colombo and is in close contact with opposition leader General Sarath Fonseka.
"We are watching carefully and we have been in touch with General Fonseka regarding the security around him," Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs PJ Crowley told a press conference.
"We think that President Rajapaksa now has an opportunity to continue to move forward with the political reconciliation process that he has started, the devolution of responsibility to the provinces, and to continue to work on full accountability of what happened as the conflict with the Tamil Tigers was finalised," Crowley said.
Crowley said the Obama administration welcomes some steps that the Rajapaksa Government has taken so far.
"But obviously, now the election itself was a step forward. This is the first national election that Sri Lanka has been able to hold in, I think, 20 years. The turnout was very significant, although we recognise not necessarily as large in certain parts of the country," he said. "So with this election comes an opportunity to continue to work to heal the breach that exists within Sri Lankan society. So with his election comes increased responsibility and we`ll continue to work with him on that," Crowley said.
When asked about the nature of US contact with General Fonseka, Crowley said the US Embassy in Colombo is in contact with him.
"We will remain in contact with him to clarify what his future intentions are and to be helpful if that`s appropriate," he said. Fonseka has a US Green Card or permanent residency status. In the aftermath of his defeat, former General Fonseka has feared for his safety.
PTI
