A Sri Lankan court on March 10 on conditional bail released the Tamil woman activist Balendran Jeyakumari and other detainees who had been arrested under the previous administration and held without charge.

Spokesperson of the U.S. State Department Jen Psaki said the United States encourages the new government's efforts to ensure human rights and freedom for all Sri Lankans.

"We understand Ms. Jeyakumari has been released on bail pending trial, and we encourage the Government of Sri Lanka to afford the individuals and all detainees due process of law," Psaki said. "We applaud this positive step and encourage the government to continue its efforts to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Sri Lankans," the Spokesperson added.

(Washington, DC)