COLOMBO ; U.S. Under-Secretary for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland, who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, expressed her Government’s support for the on-going recovery efforts in the country.
This was revealed during a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat Wednesday morning Jan.1.
During the discussions President Wickremesinghe extended his appreciation for the support provided by the U.S. Government during these difficult times.
The discussion also focussed on the on-going discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while the U.S. pledged to continue to support the negotiations with the aim of swiftly resolving the issues.
The President outlined the measures being taken in regard to the reconciliation talks with the minority parties in Sri Lanka, including the full implementation of the 13th Amendment.
Discussions also focussed on the on-going efforts to combat the growing narcotics trade, with the U.S. extending their assistance.
Julie Chung the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka attended this discussions
In a separate statement Ambassador Chung said : “ I join the US Undersecretary and Lankan president to discuss the economic crisis, ongoing US assistance to the SL people ($240M in new assistance last year alone!) & the many ways our countries are working together toward an inclusive, prosperous and secure future for all Sri Lankans.When those with different perspectives work together toward solutions, democracy is strengthened.”
The visiting dignitary and Ambassador Chung also met with ethnic minority opposition party leaders to discuss their hopes for reconciliation & a political solution to SL’s history of ethnic conflict.
