Russell discusses gender issues with Mangala, Chandrani

US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women?s Issues, Catherine Russell, who concluded her visit to?Sri Lanka today, had talks with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

The Foreign Ministry said that Ambassador Russell also held talks with Chandrani Bandara, the Minister of Women and Children?s Affairs.

Ambassador Russell discussed strategies to advance women?s economic empowerment and issues related to gender based violence.

Prior to assuming this position in August 2013, Ambassador Russell served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden focusing on military families and higher education.

During her tenure at the White House, Ambassador Russell coordinated the development of the Administration?s strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence globally.

She previously served as a Senior Advisor to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on international women?s issues. During the Clinton Administration, Russell served as Associate Deputy Attorney General.

She has also served as Staff Director of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Senior Counsel to Senator Patrick J. Leahy. She received a B.A. in Philosophy from Boston College and a J.D. from George Washington University. (Colombo Gazette)