Donors' conference highlights support for Sri Lanka peace process

Colombo, May 24, 2003: Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage will attend the Tokyo Donors' Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka, June 9-10 in Tokyo, according to a statement issued by Acting State Department Spokeswoman Lynn L. Cassel on May 23.

The conference will highlight the international community's support for reconstruction and rehabilitation assistance for Sri Lanka, which has been devastated by nearly 20 years of conflict.

Following is the text of the statement issued by Acting Spokeswoman Lynn Cassel on May 23:

Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage will attend the Tokyo Conference on Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka, June 9-10 in Tokyo. Deputy Secretary Armitage looks forward to discussing reconstruction and rehabilitation assistance for Sri Lanka at the conference. The Deputy Secretary said the conference was important for the international community to demonstrate its solid support for the peace process and its full commitment to contribute to the reconstruction and development of all regions of the country, including the North and East, which has been devastated by nearly 20 years of conflict.

The Tokyo Conference offers a unique opportunity to highlight to all the people of Sri Lanka the benefits accruing from peace. The United States believes the Tokyo Conference should be held as scheduled notwithstanding the Tamil Tigers' stated position not to participate, and agrees with the Government of Japan that if the conference were not held as scheduled, it would mean an irreparable loss to the long suffering people of Sri Lanka.