Sri Lanka still faces “serious political, economic, and security reforms” said the Counselor of the US State Department Thomas Shannon, in a piece for the Sunday Observer last week.
Stating that the United States, knowing the “promise and potential of Sri Lanka” was “strengthening our relationship and investing in the future”, Mr Shannon added that:
“Serious political, economic, and security reforms still lie ahead and are never easy”.
“But as Sri Lanka walks this path – including through full and timely implementation of the historic Human Rights Council Resolution that our nations co-sponsored last year –it will continue to have our full support in addressing these challenges,” added Mr Shannon.
“We offer our support not only because we share the same democratic values, but also the same strategic interests.”
He went on to state that the US and Sri Lanka “share an interest in demonstrating to the world the political, social, and economic benefits of peaceful reconciliation, promoting the rule of law, and protecting human rights”.
Mr Shannon also highlighted Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera’s trip to Washington next month as part of the US-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue.
“We know that what happens in Sri Lanka is of global consequence and we know that success in Sri Lanka will make it a reference point for the rest of the world,” he continued.
“In the coming year, we will continue to support Sri Lanka as it makes meaningful progress on reconciliation, transitional justice, the protection of human rights, good governance reforms and inclusive economic growth.”
See our earlier post:
Renewed US-Sri Lanka Relations: A Slobbering Love Affair (17 Dec 2015)