"The Sri Lankan people, through the democratic process, have embraced the need for healing, reconciliation, and accountability, and your President, Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader have all made commitments to put an end to ill-will, hatred, and strife. And the United States is committed to helping you, in whatever way we can, to achieve these worthy goals," Under Secretary for Management of the Organization of American States Patrick F. Kennedy said.
Addressing an event held at the Sri Lanka's Embassy in Washington D. C. to mark the 68th Independence Day, the U.S. official said much has been accomplished last year in Sri Lanka but, as it is with every nation, including the U.S., much yet remains to be done.
He said the U.S. has strongly affirmed their friendship by boosting assistance to the Sri Lankan people, sending several top U.S. diplomats to the country, including Secretary Kerry and Ambassadors Samantha Power and Thomas Shannon and welcoming Sri Lanka as a Millennium Challenge Corporation Threshold Partner.
Later this month, the U.S. will hold the inaugural U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue, which will strengthen the bilateral relationship across several key areas, including development, governance, energy, trade, and security, he said.
"We're very much looking forward to hosting Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Samaraweera in Washington, and we expect to get a lot of good work done."
He noted that the Sri Lankan government has more laudable ventures underway.
"Just the other week, it launched a website that will give the people a chance to participate in the process of constitutional reform. This marriage of technology and civic participation will be a trailblazing test case for the power of digital democracy. Your country will also hold local elections later this year, where the Sri Lankan people will have yet another occasion to give voice to their aspirations."
"The world is watching Sri Lanka. Your solutions, if successful, can become the blueprint for future generations, in distant nations, who are trying to find their way back to peace, justice, and harmony."
Kennedy said he will visit Sri Lanka later this month and see the progress already made on the new U.S. embassy complex.
