Lot of work to be done in Sri Lanka for a peaceful and inclusive future: US

Thursday, 5 February 2015 00:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal, who just concluded a visit to Sri Lanka on Tuesday, said there is a lot of work to be done for Sri Lanka to pursue a future that is peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous. Issuing a statement at the end of her two-day visit to the country, Biswal expressed the United States’ willingness to work with the Government of President Maithripala Sirisena. “The United States looks forward to partnering with the Sri Lankan people to address the challenges and help Sri Lanka realise its true potential,” the Assistant Secretary said. “It was a privilege to visit Colombo to witness for myself the sense of excitement and optimism that the Sri Lankan people have ushered in through the historic 8 January election. In my meetings with Government, civil society, private sector, and political parties, I heard a consistent message of hope about translating this promise into a brighter reality for all Sri Lankans,” she said. Biswal said she had very productive conversations with President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Urban Development Minister Rauff Hakeem, and State Minister for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene. In her conversation with the TNA leadership, Biswal said she heard their perspective for meaningful progress on reconciliation and political inclusion to ensure a peaceful, prosperous future for their constituents within Sri Lanka. “I also had a chance to meet with other political, civil society, religious, and business leaders. In all of these meetings I reiterated our desire to see the US-Sri Lanka relationship grow to the benefit of both our nations,” she said. “I congratulated President Sirisena on his victory and expressed the United States’ willingness to work with the new government as it pursues a future for Sri Lanka that is peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous,” she said adding that “Clearly, there is a lot of work to be done.” “The United States looks forward to partnering with the Sri Lankan people to address the challenges and help Sri Lanka realise its true potential,” the Assistant Secretary said.