US vows continual support to SL

U.S. Ambassador Atul Keshap said today the United States seeks to support the Sri Lankan people at this critical juncture as they pursue constitutional reforms and a peaceful, prosperous, and reconciled future.

He said in a statement concluding the visit of Special Coordinator for the U.S. Department of State Office of Global Criminal Justice Todd Buchwald and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Manpreet Anand (DAS) to Sri Lanka.

“Hearing a wide variety of Sri Lankan voices on reconciliation will be critical for these visitors as they help shape U.S. government assistance and policy in Sri Lanka in the coming years,” he said.

They met with government and political leaders and civil society from across the country to hear their thoughts on reconciliation during the visit.

Ambassador Keshap and Mr. Buchwald met with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera to learn about the progress made on reconciliation issues, as well as with Governor of the Northern Province Reginald Cooray, the statement said.

“Mr. Buchwald subsequently met opposition Leader R. Sampanthan, who provided insights into issues faced by Sri Lankans affected by the war. The Ambassador, Mr. Buchwald, and DAS Anand met with Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran to discuss challenges to reconciliation and livelihoods in the North. Mr. Buchwald also paid a courtesy call on Governor of the Eastern Province Austin Fernando,” the statement said.

“It has been useful for us to hear from different voices that provide perspective on the situation in Sri Lanka today,” Mr. Buchwald said. “We were privileged to travel to a number of places in Sri Lanka and hear first-hand about the progress made and challenges remaining,” he said.