In November 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution that calls on the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) to help the populations held in guarded camps to return to their homes. This follows a recent report by the U.S. State Department that compiled a list of incidents that allegedly occurred in the final stages of war, which may have violated international humanitarian law. Additionally, a September report by the European Union found that the violation of key international laws could lead to potential trade sanctions. Such strong statements against the GoSL indicate that international observers are watching the response of the authorities to Tamil populations after the end of the war.
The withdrawal of trade concessions worth tens of millions of dollars would devastate the Sri Lankan garment and fishing industries. However, it is unlikely that the Western governments will actually follow through with serious sanctions, given the recent approval of an economy-saving IMF loan. The reports and resolution demonstrate an interest in seeing serious efforts at reconciliation and reconstruction. Yet, it is unclear whether this will lead to any actual effort on the authorities in Sri Lanka. The GoSL's post-war expansion of the military does not suggest that they are necessarily focusing on the betterment of civil society. Rather, it shows Mahinda Rajapakse's campaign to capitalize on the population's support and further strengthen the current autocratic regime. With elections held two years early, in May 2010, Rajapakse has the opportunity to solidify his control on within the country and continue his brazen form of rule, which has been characterized by the politics of fear, the crushing of dissenting voices, and the silencing of civil society.
