US President’s letter handed over to Sri Lanka’s President

A letter from US President Joe Biden was handed over to Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Tuesday.

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung handed over the letter to the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, the Sri Lanka President’s Media Division said.

In the letter, Biden extended his congratulations to Sri Lanka?s newly elected President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The message, delivered on behalf of the American people, recognized the importance of the peaceful and democratic nature of the election, which reaffirmed the strength of Sri Lanka?s democratic institutions.

?This election reflects the strength of Sri Lanka?s democratic institutions and the commitment of its citizens to shaping their future through free and fair elections conducted in a peaceful manner, a cornerstone of any democracy,? President Biden remarked in his letter.

The U.S. President emphasized the shared values between the two nations, particularly in advancing stability, prosperity, and inclusivity for all Sri Lankan citizens. President Biden expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties under President Dissanayake?s leadership, highlighting cooperation in several key areas.

?The United States shares your vision of a more equitable Sri Lanka that is stable, prosperous, and inclusive of all its citizens,? he stated, expressing his commitment to working with President Dissanayake to further enhance cooperation between the two nations, particularly in promoting inclusive economic growth, regional security, and democratic governance.

This message marks a new chapter in U.S.-Sri Lanka relations, with both countries poised to collaborate on initiatives that will benefit the region and uphold democratic principles, the Sri Lanka President’s Media Division said.

Meanwhile, during her meeting with the Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Ambassador Julie J. Chung?noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are prepared to offer financial support to help enhance the economic prospects of Sri Lanka.

The United States has pledged both financial and technical support for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake?s initiatives aimed at preventing fraud and corruption.

The US has also expressed its commitment to assisting efforts for good governance and ensuring the security of Sri Lanka whenever needed.

Additionally, the United States supports the new president?s programs focused on developing renewable energy, fostering an export-oriented agricultural industry, and alleviating rural poverty.

Chung further noted that the current program providing lunches for rural schools will be expanded to include urban schools in the future. (Colombo Gazette)