Sri Lanka on the difficult road to reconciliation

That will require a generosity of spirit on a scale displayed by the US in the aftermath of World War II, when billions of dollars were provided to recent former enemies.

It is important that Tamils become full economic partners in the future prosperity of the nation and that they do not feel excluded from the opportunities of the mainstream economy.

Steps must be taken to ensure that Tamils do not have a lingering or ongoing sense of injustice about past events.

An important step is for the government to credibly investigate allegations of war crimes and bring to justice anyone responsible for such acts.

Investigations and trials can be challenging and painful but they play the important role of sending a message that the law applies equally to all, regardless of rank, title or ethnicity.

The Sri Lankan Government should be supported in its peace and reconciliation efforts which should unite the nation and avoid the potential of entrenching a sense of injustice in current and future generations.