; Whereas reconciliation is a long-term process that must be led by the Sri Lankan government and driven by the people of Sri Lanka, including civil society and nongovernmental organizations; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka has expressed its commitment not to allow the emergency powers instituted following the April 21 terrorist attacks to infringe upon the civil liberties and human rights of Sri Lankans; Whereas the use of such emergency powers should not be allowed to exacerbate ethnic or religious conflict or to justify the abuse of the rule of law; and Whereas the United States is home to a large Sri Lankan diaspora that has become an integral part of and made significant contributions to American society: Now, therefore, be it