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SL a critical partner: US

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24 June 2015 06:33 am - 6     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka would be a critical partner in broadening the United States interests across the Indo-Pacific region, US President Barack Obama's ambassadorial nominee for Sri Lanka Atul Keshap told lawmakers on Tuesday.  

"As we look to advance our interests across the Indo- Pacific, Sri Lanka will be a critical partner," Keshap said.

Noting that there is room for closer cooperation on disaster response and maritime security in the Indian Ocean, he said Sri Lanka is a regional leader in the fight against cybercrime, a contributor to UN Peacekeeping Operations and is focused on disrupting drug trafficking and fighting maritime piracy.

Keshap said the US wanted to build lasting peace and fellowship among Sri Lanka's various religious and ethnic groups, PTI said.

"We want to help build a lasting peace and fellowship among Sri Lanka's ethnic and religious communities, including credible justice, accountability and reconciliation that can facilitate closure for those who suffered and lost loved ones during the war," Atul Keshap, the nominee for US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing.

"It is important to get this right, and the UN and international community can lend useful insight to the efforts of the Sri Lankan people," Keshap said.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Keshap would be the second Indian-American to be serving in an ambassadorial position in South Asia. Richard Verma is the current US envoy to India.

"We want to help the Sri Lankan people strengthen democracy, civil society, and human rights, including media freedom and freedom of religion," he said.

"Economically, the US is Sri Lanka's largest export market. While our trade volume is relatively low, there is great potential to expand our partnership," he said.

On Maldives, Keshap said a young and dynamic populace is on the front lines of climate change.

"We are worried, however, about the current state of rule of law, due process, and human rights (in Maldives). All citizens should be allowed to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms," Keshap said.

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  Comments - 6

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Mind your own Business Wednesday, 24 June 2015 12:22 PM

    we do not need Indian advice in sri lanka. Just mind your own business in your country of orgin

    Shan Wednesday, 24 June 2015 12:48 PM

    We dislike Yankees and we dislike Indians. And we double dislike Yankee Indians. Sorry, you have a tough time ahead.

    Maya Wednesday, 24 June 2015 01:07 PM

    Ah, thanks but we will elect MR who will take is back to China..

    Why Why Wednesday, 24 June 2015 01:32 PM

    This NewDhili indian fellow why is barking in sri lanka. Just go back to your country and do your business there. There are many holes in India . try to cover that first

    Waco Wednesday, 24 June 2015 03:44 PM

    America,India do not have a single friendly country on Asia. You are making a big mistake. " Think, Think, Think. "

    sam Wednesday, 24 June 2015 09:11 PM

    We prefer buffaloes.


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Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

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