U.S. underscores considering all voices on pending legislation including Anti-Terrorism Bill

• The DAS shared details of the $270 million in new support that the United States has delivered over the last year
• She encouraged the SL government to continue to see through economic  reforms and transparency measures under the IMF agreement 

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs (DAS) Afreen Akhter says  the United States has invested in Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, a statement from the U.S. embassy said.  

According to the statement, DAS Akhter, who arrived in Sri Lanka earlier this week, highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries as she engaged in a wide range of consultative meetings. 

In many of her meetings, DAS Akhter shared details of the $270 million in new support that the United States has delivered over the last year and encouraged the Sri Lankan government to continue to see through economic reforms and transparency measures under the IMF agreement.   

“On May 15, DAS Akhter met with the Minister of Justice Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to discuss Sri Lanka’s ongoing reform efforts. During the meeting DAS Akhter highlighted that the United States continues to encourage the collaboration by the Sri Lankan Government with civil society and underscored the importance of considering all voices on pending legislation including the Anti-Terrorism Bill.  

DAS Akhter also had productive discussions with both State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya and with State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon on a range of issues, including ongoing collaboration in maritime security and tackling our shared regional challenges,” the statement said.