Sri Lanka’s foreign policy will remain neutral; Foreign Minister (VIDEO)

Addressing a joint briefing with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, he said conscious of the opportunities and responsibilities that come with the country's strategic location, Sri Lanka sees the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in its seas and air space also protecting sea lines of communication and the undersea cables.

The Foreign Minister believes all countries should adhere to and respect international law, including UN Convention on Law of the Sea [UNCLOS] adding the US and Sri Lanka share views on the potential multifaceted Maritime cooperation which Sri Lanka is keen to progress.

He said it is also a time in Sri Lanka where the democratic ethos and practice have stood strong, with the Sri Lankan people resoundingly expressing their free choice through two major electoral processes of Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

"These elections reflect the people’s mandate to safeguard the Unitary State, Sovereignty, Territorial-Integrity, national security, and economic progress, presenting a clear opportunity for all friendly nations, especially for the United States to join in the forward journey for a stable, secure country with economic advancement.," he said.

He went on to note the United States is one of Sri Lanka’s major development partners with over US$ 2 billion worth of development assistance in wide-ranging areas including Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources, Health, Education, Business Development, Trade, and Humanitarian Assistance.