The report notes progress in reconciliation in Sri Lanka, but says several serious HR violations occurred last year too.

They include torture, abduction and sexual harassment by the military, including the kidnapping of a three year old girl and the police torture of her parents and two brothers in Kilinochchi last June.

Military spokesman Brig. Jayanath Jayaweera said the US report would be studied and discussed with the defence secretary, and a response made on April 18.

The report commends the closure of the Omanthai checkpoint, permission for UN officials to visit the island, the lifting of the ban on the Tamil diaspora and certain individuals as well as the adoption of the 19th amendment to the constitution.