SL should have new power sharing arrangement with Tamils: US

As Sri Lanka savours the defeat of LTTE, US today asked Colombo to initiate a new power sharing arrangement among Tamils, Sinhalese and others for a "lasting peace" that safeguards the rights of all citizens.  

"A lasting peace in Sri Lanka depends on Sinhalese, Tamils and all other Sri Lankans working together to achieve new power sharing arrangements that safeguard and promote the rights of all Sri Lankans," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said in a statement.  

The US wants Sri Lanka to "turn the page on its past" and use the opportunity to create a political arrangement that promotes and protects the rights of all citizens, including Tamils.  

"To truly defeat terrorism, the Government of Sri Lanka needs to begin to heal the wounds of the conflict and work toward building a democratic, prosperous, tolerant and united Sri Lanka and work toward justice and reconciliation for both sides," Kelly said.  

The US asked the Government to allow humanitarian access to the camps and to work hand in hand with the UN, ICRC, and non-government organisations to ensure all IDPs are accorded rights and care meeting the highest international standards.