President Obama vows to continue long lasting relations with SL

The President of the United States of America Barack Obama said the US stands ready to continue their long-lasting bilateral partnership to help build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.

The US President in a message of congratulation to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the occasion of country's Independence Day said for the first time in over a generation, Sri Lanka is not under the shadow of terrorism.

Full text of the message by the US President:

Dear Mr. President
I extend my very best wishes to you on behalf of the American people as Sri Lanka celebrates its National Independence on February 4.

The ties of friendship between our two peoples date back to 1789, when merchant ships from New England first sailed into Sri Lanka's harbors.

The United States celebrates this long friendship with the Sri Lankan people and sends its hopes for peace and prosperity throughout Sri Lanka in the coming year.

The recent end of the war creates a historic opportunity for Sri Lanka to heal the divisions of conflict, and build a society that offers equality and opportunity for all. For the first time on over a generation, Sri Lanka is not under the shadow of terrorism. I urge you to seize this opportunity to provide the leadership that will allow all Sri Lankans to come together and meet their aspirations to live in a country that is rooted in tolerance, respect for human rights,accountability, the rule of law, and freedom of the press- all elements essential for national reconciliation.

The United States stands ready to continue our long-lasting bilateral partnership to help build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.

Barack Obama
President of the United States of America

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Leading Expat Group in US Calls on the International Community to Respect the Democratic Mandate of the People of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan Presidential Election - 2010 : Jan. 26, 2010

We, the members of Sri Lankan Patriots, an organization that has been in the forefront of the anti-LTTE campaign, have closely monitored the progress of the presidential election in Sri Lanka and, we are happy to note that the independent election monitoring bodies have reported that it has been conducted virtually free of violence and absence of any malpractices. The candidates must accept the people’s decision and not seek other means to unlawfully change the result which may not be to their liking.

In light of this, we request that the international community respect the democratic mandate of the people of Sri Lanka and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Sri Lanka on behalf of any candidate of their preference.

We trust the international community will respect the sovereign rights of the Sri Lanka and help the rebuilding of the nation in a new era, free of the scourge of terrorism.


“Sri Lankan Patriots”
California 91352, USA

Fonseka is ready for another betrayal

Defeated presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka said that he has handed over a sealed affidavit detailing some sensitive information about Defence Secretary to the relevant authorities, BBC Sandeshaya reported. However he did not reveal who the authorities are. Earlier in his election campaign Fonseka's contravotial statement about shooting by the 57th division at LTTE leaders who came with white flags to surrender, destroyed his image as a war hero. According to the political analysts, his reputation as the commander of an army that eliminated 30 years old LTTE terrorism was the key reason for his politics. JVP and UNP expected Sarath Fonseka could attract the Sinhala voting base at the presidential election. He was the only acceptable figure for the Sinhala community on his side. Unfortunately Fonseka killed himself and shattered JVP and UNP hopes on Sinhalease votes by making careless statements. President Mahinda Rajapaksha and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksha have become undisputable leaders in operations that liberated the country from terrorism as proved by the 70% of overwhelming majority in Sinahala majority areas. Crtitics say if Fonseka wants to remain in national politics, he need to maintain his nationalist image and he has lot to do to re-build that. Question is wheather Sarath Fonseka could manage to get the international support for his future planes where the people of his country rallied against his opponent in thousands. Any such attempt without people's support will be another failed conspiracy and can diminish his popularity.

Full Story: Times of Lanka