The United States has noted with due honour and appreciation the progress achieved by Sri Lanka,while protecting human rights and democracy in the country, visiting US Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Shannon said and emphasised that the United States intended to further strengthen existing mutual relations with Sri Lanka.
He made this observation when he called on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Temple Trees on November 6.
Shannon further said the US was prepared to lend full assistance to Sri Lanka towards its dedication and interest to ensure free navigation in the Indian Ocean region.
The Assistant Secretary of State said the US was ready to assist Sri Lanka’s Coast Guard services by sharing its experience and technology in the field with the Sri Lanka Navy. The US would also make a donation of 21 million US dollars towards the development of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of keeping the Indian Ocean region as a peaceful zone ensuring free navigation.
He also explained in detail the new socio-economic and political reforms undertaken in Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said it was their objective to develop Sri Lanka as a hub in the Indian Ocean. Views and ideas were also shared at the talks on the need to develop mutual relations between the US and Sri Lanka to a higher level. Shannon was accompanied by US Ambassador Atul Keshap and other US officials.
Southern Development and Law and order Minister and Prime Minister’s Chief of staff Sagala Ratnayaka and Secretary to the Prime Minister Saman Ekanayake were also associated in the talks.