INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Sri Lanka and the United States convened the fourth Sri Lanka-US Partnership Dialogue today (March 23), in Colombo, renewing their shared
commitment to economic prosperity, sustainable development, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.The meeting was co-chaired by
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof
Peiris and the Under Secretary for Political Affairs of the US Department of State Victoria Nuland.Both delegations reaffirmed their
commitment to the bilateral relationship, firmly rooted in shared values as fellow democracies, and their intent to work together to further
of 3.4 million vaccines, and the provision of over USD 18 million in health equipment and other relief to address the COVID-19 pandemic in
the past year.Acknowledging that the US is already the largest market for Sri Lankan exports, both delegations reiterated their intent to
explore new opportunities to enhance market access, bilateral trade, investment, and tourism.The United States expressed its commitment to
enhancing opportunities for the economic empowerment of women.To that end, Sri Lanka welcomed the role of the US International Development
enterprises, particularly women-owned businesses.Sri Lanka also appreciated the provision of US funding to launch the first business
accelerator in Sri Lanka, specifically aimed at women entrepreneurs.Both countries committed to working together to address climate change
by 2030, and to attain carbon neutrality by 2050.Ongoing US grant assistance to help meet these goals, including a five-year USD 19 million
Sri Lanka Energy Program and support towards a floating solar plant, were noted with appreciation.The United States informed its intent to
continue supporting the sustainable development of Sri Lanka through the US Agency for International Development.The US delegation
reaffirmed its commitment to promote school nutrition and literacy among Sri Lankan children, in consultation with the Sri Lankan
Government.Sri Lanka appreciated the successful nutrition campaign conducted by Save the Children in 2021 which benefited over 106,000
primary grade students.Sri Lanka and the United States resolved to continue cooperation on maritime security and work together to ensure a
safe maritime domain in the Indian Ocean through the rules-based international order
In this context, the US strategy towards a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, which promotes freedom of navigation and
overflight, was noted as an important initiative.Sri Lanka welcomed the impending arrival of the third High Endurance US Coast Guard Cutter
Sri Lanka welcomed US support in the prevention of smuggling and other illegal activities.Both delegations welcomed ongoing bilateral
defense and security sector cooperation, including US support for humanitarian demining and disaster relief, joint military engagements,
human rights training for Sri Lankan officers, and exchange of visits, including by US ships and military officials
The United States resolved to explore opportunities to further expand counter-terrorism cooperation with Sri Lanka.The United States
welcomed action taken by Sri Lanka to promote reconciliation and human rights in pursuit of development and prosperity
Sri Lanka outlined its progress in reconciliation, in promoting and protecting human rights, and in strengthening democracy, democratic
efforts to reform the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the release of long-term PTA detainees, the justice reform agenda, and engagement
with civil society representatives
expressed strong support for ongoing cooperation between the two countries in education and culture
The United States emphasized the value of educational exchanges, highlighting the 70th anniversary of the US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Program and
relationship, and decided to continue cooperation on a broad range of areas to further strengthen the partnership for mutual benefit.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://adaderana.lk
