U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz called for unity in the wake of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks that killed at least 359 innocent people, including four U.S. citizens. Noting the progress Sri Lanka has made in building trust and ties among people of different faiths and ethnicities over the last few years, she urged Sri Lankans to remain unified.
“These terrible attacks are the work of a few individuals and not of an entire community,” Ambassador Teplitz said. “Sri Lankans of all backgrounds and faiths have come together to condemn these atrocities. Unity is the most powerful answer to terrorism.”
Ambassador Teplitz stated that President Trump’s offer of assistance was both concrete and significant: expert teams from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) are providing support to the Sri Lankan-led investigation into the attacks, at the behest of the Sri Lankan Government. These teams are working side-by-side with Sri Lankan law enforcement officials in forensics and crime scene investigations. The Embassy is working to determine ways in which we can assist Sri Lanka’s communities in coming together in the aftermath of this tragedy.
“We want to provide all possible support to Sri Lanka’s efforts and are assisting at the invitation of the government,” the Ambassador added. “Conspiracy theories about the involvement of the U.S. military draw attention away from where it should be focused, which is firmly on the victims and their families.” The cooperation is part of the growing partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. Security is a key component of that partnership. “As a close friend to Sri Lanka, we are heartbroken by these attacks. We’re committed to helping Sri Lanka emerge from this crisis stronger and more unified.”
Mike Banda / April 25, 2019
Thank you, madam President of Sri Lanka. You might as well take over the running of the country ‘officially’ because you have been doing it from the fortress at Kollupitiya junction, helping all groups other than the Sinhala Buddhist.
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You and your country can go to hell!
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Old codger / April 26, 2019
Yes, yes, the US is responsible for many of the problems in the world. Islamic terrorism included.
BUT…….. I wonder why so many of our super patriots prefer California to Colombo. I wonder if even the likes of Champa would refuse a green card. Does money talk louder than principle?
Isn’t THAT the real problem in this fracured pearl of the Indian Ocean?
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Jayt / April 26, 2019
I would not use that kind of tough words but we all have right to remind in civilized term to US and Europe this unity government formed With help of Tamil, Christian and Islamic fundamentalists by Israel, US and Europe in order to punish Sinhalese Buddhists majority who refused Israel influence and as well as being hostile to Western countries on the basis of their continues intervention on Tamil maters and attempted war crime charges.
So theses attacks on hotels can be very well work of somebody in the western countries to stop tourist as way of taking revenge on Sinhala Buddhists for being hostile.
Sinhala Buddhists were not hostile to West. First, It was created by Western countries by unreasonably attacking Buddhists, persecuting Buddhists, imposing unjust law in order to appease India and Tamil.
I know Sinhala families. Any American, Canadian, British and any European go their and enjoy hospitality that no other countries in the region have.
I have seen very unjust propaganda against Sri lanka just to satisfy Tamil and Indian and win business favor from them.
though I am agree with Eu ambassador’s complain about Sri lanka doing favor to Chinese, but again this situation at first created by Western countries by smuggling an ancient South Indian Tamil problem into the west to attract Indian and Tamil for business and military purpose. These events threatened Sinhalese Buddhists which caused them to look forward to Chinese for economic and military reasons.
I am very American/very European and naturally like India, but if Sri lanka is threatened by West and India, I can’t no way be on West and India’s side and have to act against my heart feeling.
And I am still hopping things to get better and create an environment which does not threaten Sinhala Buddhist majority.
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Anonymous / April 26, 2019
December 5th 2016 Sri Lanka Mirror –
“Intelligence authorities have now established that during the Rajapaksa regime, a secret account of the defence ministry had funded Thowheed Jamath, BBS and other Muslim & Buddhist extremists groups, ‘Sathhanda’ reports quoting sources at the Presidential secretariat.
This is clear information to prove that Thowheed Jamath secretary Abdul Rasik Rafiquedeeb was an army intelligence member.”
“A close ally of ex-defense security Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, now a retired major general, had coordinated these Muslim and Sinhala extremists, it has come to light”
This article has now been pulled from the internet!
Who is this retired major general?
Why has he not been arrested for questioning?
Why is this information being downplayed and hidden from the public and international community!?
Link to article that doesn’t work now
https://srilankamirror.com/news/796-thowheed-jamath-bbs-both-funded-by-single-secret-account
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gamunu / April 27, 2019
This is hypocracy and double standards from the US. The Ambassador never uttered the word Terrorist in her speech or at any other time on this blatant terrorist attacks that took the country to hell.
But when the Australian madman shot and maimed innocent muslims in two mosques in New Zealand few weeks ago US were quick to call it a terrorist attack and offered condolences to the victims and their family. They didn’t stop there. They even named the culprit and exposed him to the world. Even Obama , Hillary Clinton and British premier May were quick to identify that as a terrorist attack. This was fine but why doesn’t she (they) not apply a similar line to slaying of innocent catholics that included Sinhalese and Tamils by terrorists? Do they not consider these vicious psychopaths as terrorists?
Is it for fear of not to upset global muslim population?
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K.Anaga / April 25, 2019
Aliana!
You are paid to tell lies on behalf of your country. Hence you have to go on telling lies. If USA was/is honest and sincere towards the world in general and the Muslims countries in particular there wouldn’t have been a Muslim uprising like what we experience. You support Israel against Palestine, attacked Iraque to search for non existing WMD along with Britain, you attacked Iran in so many different ways,you massacred Cuba from leading a happy life, you helped Srilanka to annihilate the Tamils, and so on. This does not mean I agree with the activities of ISIS or the Muslim uprising. But when we search for the root cause the fingers point at you. But it doesn’t serve any purpose in view of your power and the bulling tactics adopted by you. Why not change your tactics and follow the Teaching of Jesus, Buddha and the Hindu philosophy?.
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Nimal / April 25, 2019
Well Put.They are trying to prevent tourists to the island but no such things said about New Zealand.
Nowonder that the Iranians,Turks,Russians and Chinese are trying to form their own economic block.Now they are dishing out the Russia currency to the Libyan war lord Haftar to buy what he wants. They will sideline or ignore the Western countries and trade nevertheless..
Us is making a mistake punishing the Iranian citizens by their stupid blockade, only prolonging the stay of the mad mullahs.Lets Joe Biden save USA.
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JD / April 25, 2019
All over the Caucasian world, Natives, blacks and Muslims are prosecuted. European Union never says that extremism and this extremism and need Security council Resolution. but, when that happened in Srilanka, they thought buddhists attacked the church, EU officials needed a UN resolution. what a Democratic, and fir world. the whole world is stupid and dumb they do not know that Caucasians are helping them.
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Naman / April 25, 2019
After the British left the Sinhala Buddhist took over and the result is the current state of affairs- In deep Debt
-In deep Corruption
-In deep divisions
-In the hands of drugs & Liquor runners
In the hands of extremists in Buddhism/Muslims ( no more extremists in Tamils)
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Champa / April 26, 2019
Naman
What a stupid comment!
– Corruption was introduced by the British by offering titles, positions and many more perks to Kandyan Nilames to get the Kandyan Convention signed in 1815. They placed the residences of such Nilames higher than the rest of the other dwellings in the country by making them “Walawwas”.
– The division is also caused by the British by dividing the country into two, as Up Country and Low Country.
– Liquor and drugs were also products by colonial masters.
Sri Lanka was in the hands of local inhabitants Cinkalayas since its inception from Rawana’s time.
Even there was history beyond King Rawana which is described in “Mahaasena Thandvya” a Shloka made by King Rawana in honour of an ancient King called Mahaasena, who was later worshipped as Lord Kataragama.
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Veediya Bandara / April 26, 2019
Naiman,
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Your mother seems to have been a ‘plaything’ of the British during the time they spread wild oats, leading to a generation of bastards in our country.
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These Bastards never reformed.
They crave for the past of their illegitimate fathers.
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Nimal / April 27, 2019
Well put Naman.We were better off with the colonials.
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Champa / April 25, 2019
Oh, please, mind your own damn business, lady.
Sinhalese are not going to attack Muslims over this, though a huge number of people were killed.
Our anger is with the murderous government, not with ordinary Muslims WHO HAVE NO PART in the deadly attack. They are fully safe. Guaranteed.
US is fully involved in this.
The attacks on Tourist Hotels targetting foreigners were an ADD-ON on the initial plan to make foreign countries get involved in the aftermath of the incident.
This is NOT the first suicide bomb attack happened in Sri Lanka.
We have faced 13 suicide bomb attacks so far, this being the 14.
As you see, our Police, Tri Forces and Forensic teams have more experience and expertise THAN your FBI and USINDOPACOM.
The presence of FBI and USINDOPACOM here is prearranged.
Sri Lanka have a very long experience in terrorism and extremism and Sinhalese have always offered help to victims even before governments take action.
Sri Lankans have endured similar tragedies with great fortitude in the past.
We will overcome this too.
We don’t need your help.
Stay away from local politics.
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Mallaiyuran / April 26, 2019
“ Sri Lanka have a very long experience in terrorism and extremism and Sinhalese have always offered help to victims “
Champawati the “political toy” of Slap Party is showing her nursery school talks.
!956 when the Solomon West Ridgeway Dias’ Coolies, the Sinhala Buddhist hacked SJV other FP MPs they went to parliament their bloody faces and torn off dresses. They made a mistake; they expected a sorry from SWRD for what had happened to Tamils’ representatives on the hand of his hitmen. But SWRD ridiculed them in parliament and laughed at them. But, two years later, he prostrated in front of one his employee, a bald head hitman, to take bullet from the murderer’s gun.
1983 when all Tamils’ properties over the island was on fire, children were killed, women were raped, more than 3000 lost their life and 1 Million was forced to leave to West the country as refugees, JR said if he could starve more of Tamils, Sinhalese will be happier.
Yesterday, in the AP meeting Mano Ganesan said the Tamils Victims including him of 1983 didn’t have a place to complain of what was going to Tamils. This time Muslims are protected by his government.
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Champa / April 26, 2019
Mallaiyuran
Which government was in power in 1983?
Sinhalese mobs under the direct patronage of the then UNP PM Ranasinghe Premadasa attacked Tamils while ordinary Sinhalese families protected Tamils by hiding them in their homes.
Yeah, Mano Ganeshan’s government has protected Muslim terrorists by not arresting them even after India has given their names and even addresses.
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Mallaiyuran / April 26, 2019
Champawati,
Are you forgetful or pretending? Which government was in power from 1948? Tell me please, honestly! One and Only one Sinhala Buddhist government was in power from the time Britain left Ceylon.
How many Tamils you saved when SWRD’s mobs was writing Sinhala Siri with molten Tar on Hindu Brahmins back? In all three major pogroms, where death went above 3000 in each of them and displacement in million; how many Tamils you saved in the past 70 years when in millions lost their properties and Tamils the Richest community became the poorest? (I don’t want to continue on that because the wise word is a good man remembers one good thing out of the 1000 bad things done to he and bad man remember one bad thing out of the 1000 good things done to him.) It is true some Sinhalese protected Tamils on their own risk. But as the community suffered, that is not enough for Tamils reconcile with Sinhala Buddhist inside Lankawe)
” Sinhalese have always offered help to victims “ Is there a sickness known in Lankawe as sleep writing. If not, then why did you write “Always” Sinhala Buddhists have been saving Tamils and then asking me whose government was in 1983? Don’t you know the meaning to words? Or is that because you always have been thinking of the government killing 150,000 Tamils for the humanitarian Rescue Mission Operation?
Grow up woman; don’t be such ridiculous naughty child hoping to show big jugglery with pure lies.
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Jayt / April 26, 2019
one more thing for knowledge. Burma problem was created by Israel with full support western countries. The reason is to take revenge on Sri laka. the sole intention is not to harm Burma, but to harm Sri lanka by creating to dislike buddism among governmental level in Muslim countries and among general public as well as more seriously among Muslim extreme groups. I have full evidence to prove that propaganda carried out by Israel/British own news by US, Canada, UK as well as other part of the world. And many people came and told me that Burma problem was created as part of attempt by West and Israel to isolate Sri lanka in Muslim world and create hatred against Buddhism among Muslim extremists
Also,. don’t forget that ISIS and AL Qaeda were created by Israel to find reason to invade Muslim countries , but first to create hatred against Muslims among western public and get their support to invade Muslim countries.
However, before anybody come to me with Burma story, I instantly knew when I heard Burma problem, It was work of Israel and Western countries to promote and fuel hatred against Sri lanka among global Muslim and Muslim countries. So Colombo problem result of not one thing, but many add ups by Israel and Western countries to isolate Sri lanka from the world for revenge.
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JD / April 25, 2019
If the Ambassador can approve some money to build the lives of those affected would be the best.
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Champa / April 26, 2019
JD
Why, you want more? Their news loan under MCC was in exchange of 1.2 million acres of lands from Colombo to Trinco including the two harbours for 200 years.
For “some more money” what do you plan to offer?
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kumaran / April 25, 2019
We as a nation disgraced ourselves in the choice of our political leaders. Till 1956, we had the very best, such as the Late General Sir John Kotalawela who told the United States government to “change the U.S Battle Act”. That was when the Americans said that it was wrong for Sir John to enter into a barter system, trading our rubber with China for their rice. The Americans objected. Eventually, the U.S ignored the barter between China and Ceylon, giving us locomotives, flour etc. But then we had leaders of stature who knew the how to speak and act. Today, we are in debt to China, India, Singapore, World Bank, Norway, etc etc etc and you are telling the American Ambassador to go to hell!! How stupid and arrogant can we be?
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John / April 26, 2019
Sri Lanka is plague with 4 million Muslims. So the ambassador should help to find another country for them.
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Lanka Perera / April 26, 2019
Send them to Myanmar, to be settled in the land vacated by Rohingyas. or to Yemen because most of its population will be extinct by the time war ends.
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P.Chandra / April 26, 2019
Well said Hon.Ambassdor
Sadly the politicians and some religious leaders do not understand what you say ,will never realise the mistakes they have been making particularly since 1956.All for coming to power with no regards for human life
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Buddhist / April 26, 2019
Mahinda Rajapakse doctrine of “foreign governments” interference in the internal matters of Sri Lanka is blown to pieces with these bombings. SL is a country which needs foreign support for its goods and services, for tourism, for knowledge development through schools, for aid and for loans. Now it has been proven beyond any doubt SL needs foreign support for security and to safeguard the country from any further attacks now and forever. I am sure Mahinda Rajapakse, Gotabaya Rajapakse, SLPP members, the supporters of Viyath Maga, and the stupid Nationalists all have learnt a good lesson. Security of a country is not only affected by the internal forces of that particular country but by international players. Its time the Rajapakses, SLPP, SLFP (some of them), JVP and the Leftist Parties – particularly Vasudeva Nanayakkakara understand this clearly.
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Ranjith Gunawaradana / April 26, 2019
We have to write you that to HE ..Ambassador of USA a was a pioneer nation who fought for Liberty, Equality and Paternity during was against British Colonialism in before their struggle for independence 1776 .
Hence the western democracy came into being that USA played more revolutionary role of politics.
In that during her capitalist era an early period of history of 200 years before…that USA contribution to fundamental of rules of democracy . we are admire that .Now days US forget her past by knowing or unknowingly .
The current that USA think-tanks and their few handful of that burceratic thinking caucasus -that to the line-up only that Party of UNP, TNA, JVP and current ISIS are “only friendly” to People of USA. Is that wrong perspectives of USA approach in Sri lanka!
This type of model politics are an outdated .There are many right thinking citizens of Sri lankan having positive approaches of USA and its People.We have to have dearmacated that US hegemony and its valued Democracy by our outlook of Right Thinking of Buddhism.
You have to know that we highly valued of OURS Nation Sovereignty an Independence and Territorial Integrity of an Island.
By and large that as well as ours 71 years of Democracy rule of Govt, by that change of rule by Universal franchise since 1931. That is ours principle stand is that ,we are neutral nation….hence we denied support for any mode of hegemonism . By the way we wanted you respect and account to an accepted ours values of civilization also important to majority line of thinking into consideration by USA authority.
Indeed therefor that USA become giant nation has turn into big-power hegemonist country by dominated in global scale. Big power politics do not mean by suppressed our values of democracy by high-hand of military power by any way.
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Good Sense / April 26, 2019
Madam Ambassador, thank you for your expression of help. Usually your predecessors in the past did not come in the open but provide help, if any, on request. The change in behaviour is of concern to some keen eyes. Some, particularly ladies, may have some motherly affection towards others but that possibility would be rejected by a good many because they expect an ambassador to be sufficiently hard boiled, working towards an agenda spelt out by the policy maker bosses.
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Not Surprised / April 26, 2019
The Ambassador must not post here. All the loony comments here give the false impression that Sri Lankans are against the US.
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iromi / April 26, 2019
f**king american criminals. they are to be blamed for this. they want to make Lanka a failed state. To hell with them.
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Anti Imperialist / April 28, 2019
The wolf in sheep’s clothing….Sri Lanka be aware. Play this very carefully or else the CIA might have some fun like in Syria/Libya/Iraq and many other places.
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