Having defeated one of the most murderous terrorist groups in the world, President Rajapaksa now has a historic opportunity to build a tolerant, multi-ethnic democracy in Sri Lanka that will bring lasting peace and unprecedented prosperity," stated Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake.

Addressing the World Affairs Council in San Diego on September 30 on the U.S. policy in South Asia, the former US Ambassador to Colombo said the future of Sri Lanka holds promise with the end of the war and the impressive economic progress.

He added that he has a special attachment to Sri Lanka as he has served as Ambassador for three years from 2006 and witnessed the resumption and end of the conflict.

"Since the end of the war I have returned to the island several times and seen a renewed sense of purpose among the people," he said.

He noted that most of the nearly 300,000 displaced civilians have left the welfare villages and begun to re-establish their lives.

He said the U.S. has welcomed the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission established by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and hopes that it will probe violations of international humanitarian law, identify those responsible and make appropriate public recommendations.

According to Assistant Secretary Blake, the U.S. has provided $89 million for food and other humanitarian aid for the internally displaced in Sri Lanka and additional assistance for demining so they can return to their villages and homes.

Another $25 million have been provided to catalyze new private sector partnerships and agricultural development to provide livelihood opportunities for the resettled people in the North.