• The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka plans to implement development of economic and power spheres and requested assistance from the US to attract investments in small and medium-scale projects in the alternative energy sector

U. S. Ambassador Julie Chung, in a meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, said her country expects Sri Lanka to face political challenges under a democratic system through an all-party government. 
A statement from the prime minister’s office said the ambassador called on Mr. Gunawardena yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo.

“They discussed a wide range of issues and Prime Minister thanked the United States for continuous support extended by the US in the fields of trade and investment during the entire period of diplomatic relations. He added that the assistance given in recent times of difficulties has been a great strength to Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister said Sri Lanka plans to implement development of economic and power spheres and requested assistance from the US to attract investments in small and medium-scale projects in the alternative energy sector.
He explained the government’s total commitment to safeguarding the rights of the people while strengthening and sustaining democracy and parliamentary system of governance. The US Ambassador assured continuous support to Sri Lanka to face the economic and challenges in a strong footing. Ms Chung added that the expectation of the United States is to see Sri Lanka facing political challenges under a democratic method through an all-party government. She pointed out that such a step would open a new window for Sri Lanka to deal with the IMF, World Bank and other financial institutions and also to obtain foreign investments. 

The American Ambassador stressed the US would not condone anti-democratic methods and violent acts under any circumstance.

Secretary to Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake was also present at the discussion,” the statement said.