Kerry tells Mangala US happy with reconciliation efforts

The United States has?hailed the reconciliation efforts of the Sri Lankan government in the past year saying it has been very impressive.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking to reporters after meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera, said that?Sri Lanka has taken?very impressive continuing steps towards reconciliation.

Kerry said that his meeting with Samaraweera was taking place on the?eve of a Strategic Dialogue with Sri Lanka, which will be led by US?Under Secretary Tom Shannon.

“Their efforts to try to address the regional issues, and most importantly, to make peace in their own country are very, very significant. And we really welcome you here,” Kerry said.

Samaraweera, who is in Washington to attend the US-Lanka strategic dialogue, said the relationship between the two countries has elevated recently.

“And that is why I?m looking forward for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue, which I?m sure will go ? which will further strengthen and broaden the relationship between our two countries,” he said.?(Colombo Gazette)