Sri Lanka deserves “special attention” as the island continues to work towards democracy and reconciliation, said the United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, at an international media conference currently underway in India.
Speaking on US interests in South and East Asia, Angela Aggeler said “economically, the region offers some bright indicators, even in the midst of daunting challenges”. 
“India, the world’s fastest-growing large economy, is and will continue to be the engine of South Asia’s growth, she said, adding that “Sri Lanka is rebalancing its own foreign and economic policies thanks to its strategic maritime location to some of the largest markets in Asia”.
“Sri Lanka deserves special attention as it continues to consolidate democratic gains and put the country on a path to reconciliation,” she continued. “The United States was among the first to welcome these moves and offer our support and assistance. Both Secretary Kerry and Ambassador Power visited Sri Lanka last year but also earlier this year to hold the inaugural U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue.”
Ms Aggeler went on to say,

“The strategic significance of this region will be unparalleled in this century. But Assistant Secretary Biswal recently posed the question: will it be a region of friendly cooperation and mutual benefit, or one of adversarial competition and unnecessary conflict? A region where many millions of people are lifted out of poverty, or one where millions are condemned to suffer the consequences of our collective inaction?”
“Each of the countries in the region has a unique set of challenges, but also presents tremendous opportunities. Above all, we share a commitment to stability, security, and economic growth that we can work to strengthen and support. We believe there is great promise in Indo-Pacific cooperation, and will continue to work towards that.”