Sri Lanka has to take “meaningful and credible steps” to address the painful past towards reconciliation” to ensure rights of all people in the country, the US Department of State said after the UNHRC adopted a resolution on Sri Lanka. 

Jalina Porter, Principal Deputy Spokesperson of the Department of State, asked the Sri Lankan government to "safeguards the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, human rights defenders, and civil rights activists." The US also co-sponsored the resolution.

She also asked the government to “take credible and meaningful steps to address its past, promote reconciliation, and guarantee equal access to justice for all its people.” 

The new resolution calls for enhanced reporting on human rights situations in the island nation, and gave authority to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to independently collect and preserve evidence for the future accountability process. 

On the other hand, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Aliana B. Teplitz, said the resolution - co-sponsored by the US - acknowledges Colombo’s ongoing efforts to deliver justice and accountability.

Taking to Twitter, she wrote, “For Sri Lanka to build a strong, inclusive future it has to address painful elements of the past and ensure the rights of all its citizens today. The U.S. reiterates its dedication to Sri Lanka’s long-term peace and prosperity.”