US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris on Wednesday to discuss "bilateral cooperation, PTA reform and the UNHRC" despite the island's rejection of UN resolution 46/1.
The meeting comes days after the Foreign Minister addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) stating resolution 46/1 creates "disharmony" and is "unhelpful" to Sri Lanka.
Commenting on the resolution, Peiris claimed; "Such initiatives create disharmony both in the domestic and international arenas. It creates obstacles to reconciliation efforts, breeds hatred by reopening past wounds, and polarises society."
Read more here: Sri Lankan Foreign Minister claims UN resolution is ‘unhelpful’ and creates ‘disharmony’
In her tweet, Chung highlighted that the two discussed "ways the US can continue to support economic development on the island." Also stating, "the US remains committed to a secure, democratic, and prosperous Sri Lanka."
The Ambassador's mention of economic development followed a meeting between Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and a senior Russian official. The Sri Lankan government has also sought out a US $300 million Credit Line from Russia.
Read more here: Rajapaksa meets with Russian minister as Sri Lanka seeks loans from Moscow
Sri Lanka is currently embroiled in an acute economic crisis with its foreign exchange reserves depleting and external debt continuing to mount. A fuel shortage has also created protracted power cuts sparking protests in various parts of the country.
Ambassador Chung also met with Tamil National Alliance representatives (TNA) R Sampanthan and MA Sumanthiran to discuss "the need for a political solution, accountability & justice for all Sri Lankans," the day before she met with Peiris.
Read more here.
