Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of the peaceful, democratic, and economic aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka.
Impact
The resolution calls for immediate actions from the Government of Sri Lanka, including the holding of fair local and provincial elections, which have been postponed indefinitely. It emphasizes the need for respect for the rights of all citizens, a sentiment reflecting the frustration over political oppression and the monitoring of civil society. It also supports the implementation of security sector reforms, to ensure the people can exercise their right to peaceful protest without repression from government security forces.
Summary
House Resolution 926 expresses the support of the House of Representatives for the peaceful, democratic, and economic aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka. In light of the ongoing political, economic, and humanitarian crises in Sri Lanka, which have caused significant hardships among the population, the resolution underscores the necessity for reforms aimed at improving governance and addressing corruption. The ongoing issues, including food insecurity and shortages of essential goods, are attributed to long-standing practices of financial mismanagement and over-reliance on predatory lending, particularly from entities aligned with the People’s Republic of China.
Contention
The resolution articulates a strong stance against the Sri Lankan government's failure to address critical human rights violations, historical injustices, and the urgent need for transparency in governance. Proponents of the resolution argue that addressing these issues is essential for establishing long-term peace and stability in Sri Lanka. Critics, on the other hand, might argue that external pressures and calls for reform may undermine national sovereignty and provoke further political tension in an already volatile context.
Recognizing 14 years since the end of the war in Sri Lanka on May 18, 2009, honoring the lives lost, and expressing support for justice, accountability, reconciliation, reconstruction, reparation, and reform in Sri Lanka to ensure a lasting peaceful political solution and a prosperous future for all people of Sri Lanka.
A concurrent resolution condemning the hostilities in Sudan and standing with the people of Sudan in their calls for peace and their democratic aspirations.
Recognizing the hundreds of thousands of lives lost during Sri Lanka's almost 30-year armed conflict, which ended 15 years ago on May 18, 2009, and ensuring nonrecurrence of past violence, including the Tamil Genocide, by supporting the right to self-determination of Eelam Tamil people and their call for an independence referendum for a lasting peaceful resolution.
Reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives to fortify relations with the people and Government of Nigeria and calling for the country to commit to a peaceful, credible, and timely electoral process.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that it is the duty of the Federal Government to dramatically expand and strengthen the care economy.