The US Embassy in Colombo today stated that the statement made by Ambassador-designate Michele J. Sison at her congressional hearing, is in complete accordance and reiterates the long-standing U.S. policy toward Sri Lanka.

“Her statement reiterated long-standing U.S. policy toward Sri Lanka, including calls for further demilitarization of the north, provincial council elections in the north, and mechanisms to deal with outstanding human rights issues,” the Embassy of the United States clarified.

Sison had told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 6 that reconciliation is slow in Sri Lanka as human rights violations have not been investigated.

Ambassador-designate Sison’s testimony is in complete accordance with U.S policy as well as previous statements by U.S. officials and also reflects the issues discussed during Secretary Clinton’s meeting with Minister of External Affairs Peiris last month in Washington, the US Embassy stated.

“Her testimony also noted the need for a broad range of partnerships between the United States and Sri Lanka,” it added.

Michele Sison’s comments at her Senate confirmation hearing had caused a buzz in the island when she claimed serious allegations of violation of international human rights law committed during the island nation’s civil war have yet to be investigated and have slowed reconciliation.

Current US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Patricia Butenis’ term is to come to an end by August and if confirmed, Sison will take up the post afterwards.