Washington: Key members of Congress have urged their colleagues to support a campaign for stronger US-Sri Lankan relations as the country recovers from years of conflict against terrorism.
In an April 15 appeal, Chris Van Hollen and Robert Aderholt, co-chairs of the Sri Lanka Caucus, advised their colleagues to consider Sri Lanka's progress since it defeated the Tamil Tigers two years ago.
"In addition to supporting the people of Sri Lanka as they negotiate this important moment in their history, the Sri Lanka Caucus looks forward to strengthening our strategic partnership and working to promote trade and investment between our two countries," Van Hollen and Aderholt wrote.
"Sri Lanka, a multi-party (and) multi-ethnic democracy, recently emerged from a long struggle with the ... Tamil Tigers and is now rebuilding and focusing its energy on repairing the emotional wounds inflicted from 30 years of violent internal conflict."
The letter called Sri Lanka "a valued ally of the US".
The letter follows a statement by another House member, Joe Wilson, who praised Sri Lanka.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, April 19, 2011, 14:51