US pledges support for Sri Lanka's recovery efforts

COLOMBO (News 1st) -  Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Wednesday (1).

She is on an official visit to the country, and she discussed the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, and the ongoing US assistance to the Sri Lankan people.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung accompanied Nuland for the meeting, where both sides further discussed ways both the United States of America and Sri Lanka are working together toward an inclusive, prosperous and secure future for all Sri Lankans.

According to the President's Media Division, the President in his meeting with Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, thanked the US Government for their support during difficult times. 

Under-Secretary Nuland had pledged the US Government’s support for Sri Lanka's ongoing recovery efforts.

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.

Moreover, Under-Secretary Nuland and Ambassador Chung met with the minority opposition party leaders to discuss their hopes for reconciliation.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung tweeted that a political solution to Sri Lank's history of ethnic conflict was also discussed.

"When those with different perspectives work together toward solutions, democracy is strengthened," said the Ambassador.