The United States said it was “pleased” that Sri Lanka’s political crisis had taken a step towards resolution with the reinstatement of Ranil Wickremesinghe, and noted that “we look forward to engaging” with the reappointed prime minister.
US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino stated that “Sri Lanka is a valued partner in the Indo-Pacific, and we look forward to engaging with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and his cabinet to advance cooperation on bilateral and regional issues of common interest”.
His comments were echoed by US ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alaina Teplitz who tweeted,
“We will work with this and future governments resulting from a constitutionally legitimate process to advance cooperation on bilateral and regional issues”.
The re-appointment of Wickremesinghe comes after almost two months of political turmoil which saw the dissolution of parliament, widespread reports of bribery and parliamentary violence.
The crisis resulted in a declining rupee, downgrading of the country's sovereign by credit agencies and a suspension of international funds.
