Benjamin Gilman: “I wish that I could join in the enthusiasm that the people of Sri Lanka deserve in celebration of their nation's 50th…”

“I wish that I could join in the enthusiasm that the people of Sri Lanka deserve in celebration of their nation's 50th anniversary. However, the deadly spiral of violence still gripping that beautiful nation makes it difficult to be joyous. The Tamil Tigers need to change their methods and learn to compromise to obtain their goals. The government must renew its commitment to human rights and get back on the ``high road'' of respect for human rights. One way it can achieve this is by giving free and unrestricted access to the press and human rights organizations. We must see an end to the ``disappearances'' of persons taken into custody by military and special police units, and the killings of moderate Tamil Parliament members and public execution of suspected ``informers'' or ``traitors'' by the Tamil Tigers. Our policy towards Sri Lanka needs closer scrutiny. It is currently unbalanced. More attention needs to be placed on giving constructive criticism and suggestions that could lead to peace in that long troubled nation. Until then, any calls for celebration will ring hollow for the Sri Lankan people and their friends.”