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“Across my 31 years in the United States Foreign Service, I have worked in many countries in transition. From Central America, to Colombia to South Africa, I have seen countries grapple with the kind of conflict Sri Lanka has faced.  I have seen these countries grapple with the problems of reconciliation, of transitional justice, and of social, and economic development.  I can tell you that while Sri Lankans look out into the world and try to find examples or experiences that might be relevant to Sri Lanka, I can assure that your success here will make Sri Lanka a reference point for the rest of the world.”

Ambassador Thomas Shannon, the United States Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs (designate), delivered a speech on ‘The Partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States’ at LKI on 16 December 2015.

During this address, Ambassador Shannon expressed admiration for Sri Lanka’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation, and its positive engagement with multilateral organizations. The Ambassador also reiterated the United States’ solidarity with Sri Lanka in the latter’s development and reconciliation endeavours.

Furthermore, Ambassador Shannon outlined the key points of discussion for the inaugural U.S-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue to be held in Washington D.C. in February 2016.

For a full text of the introductory address given by Hon. Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs, click here.

(Images and transcripts courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.)