A top U.S. Defense Department official congratulated the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States, Wednesday (May 20), on Sri Lanka’s military victory over the separatist terrorist outfit LTTE.

Robert Scher, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and Southeast Asia, pledged American humanitarian and reconstruction support to the government of Sri Lanka during a phone conversation with Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Scher said the U.S. government was pleased that Sri Lanka had defeated the LTTE terrorists, and asked Ambassador Wickramasuriya to extend congratulations to the government and military of Sri Lanka.

Deputy Assistant Secretary Scher was appointed to his position following the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

The Ambassador said assistance in clearing landmines in northern Sri Lanka was crucial to quickly returning the 250,000 displaced citizens to their homes. Deputy Assistant Secretary Scher pledged U.S. support in clearing landmines.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya explained that the government has an ambitious plan to redevelop Northern Sri Lanka, where the LTTE was present. The program includes reconciliation with Tamil civilians, as well as the reconstruction of long-neglected roads and bridges, railway lines, water and sanitation facilities and at least 80,000 homes. Local elections are also planned.