US Ambassador Teplitz assumes duties

Friday, 2 November 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz officially began her tenure as the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka yesterday after presenting her credentials to President Sirisena.

The ceremony was held at the President’s official residence. Ambassador Teplitz was accompanied by her husband Robert Saul.

“I am honoured to serve as the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka at this critical moment for the country and region. For seven decades the United States has supported Sri Lanka on its path to peace and prosperity. I look forward to joining you on this journey as we work together to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lay ahead to ensure a safe and thriving Indo-Pacific region. Together we can help ensure a future in which democracy empowers the people and all rest assured of respect for human rights,” said Ambassador Teplitz.

Ambassador Teplitz served as US Ambassador to Nepal from 2015-2018. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister Counselor, she joined the State Department in 1991. She was the Director of the Under Secretary for Management’s Office of Policy, Rightsizing, and Innovation (M/PRI) from 2012-2015, where she identified innovative ways to improve how the US diplomatic service operates and championed efforts to enhance knowledge management, data use and risk management.

Prior to leading M/PRI, Ambassador Teplitz was the Minister Counselor for Management at the US Embassy in Kabul from 2011-2012. She directed a team providing oversight for the US Government Chief of Mission civilian activities in Afghanistan and planned for the impact of the eventual military force reduction.