US Assistant Secretary and Sri Lankan civil society discuss reforms

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu spoke with members of Sri Lanka?s civil society and discussed ongoing reforms and other issues.

The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said that the US delegation learned about their ongoing efforts to promote peacebuilding and strengthen democratic norms.

“We reiterated that good governance, inclusion, and reform should guide Sri Lanka’s economic recovery,” the US Ambassador said.

Donald Lu, who is travelling to India, ?Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh between May 10?15, also met?Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed avenues to further consolidate Sri Lanka ? U.S. bilateral relations.

Foreign Secretary Wijewardane apprised Assistant Secretary Lu of the recent developments in the economic front, as well as the export oriented, open market growth enhancement strategies and initiatives taken by Sri Lanka.

She elaborated on the measures taken by the Government to improve governance, rule of law, financial oversight as well as to combat corruption, and foster reconciliation.

Foreign Secretary Wijewardane also discussed the robust security cooperation between the two nations, including in the maritime sphere to effectively handle maritime safety and security as well as safeguard maritime trade.

Assistant Secretary Lu applauded the tremendous effort put in by the people and Government of Sri Lanka in the IMF process and positive results obtained. He also commended the passing of Anti-corruption legislation and assured the continuous support in its implementation and broader macro-economic reforms. Assistant Secretary encouraged Sri Lanka to proceed in an inclusive manner on all fronts.

Assistant Secretary Lu was accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung; senior officials of Department of State and the U.S. Embassy. Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane was accompanied by the senior officials of the Attorney General’s Department, the Ministry of Finance, the Office for International Trade, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the meeting.

The U.S. Assistant Secretary paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe following the discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and also met the Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka. (Colombo Gazette)