The US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power will travel to the North-East next week, after visits to southern Sri Lanka and India.
Ambassador Power will visit Jaffna and meet with local government officials, NGOs and communities affected by the armed conflict. She will also meet with members of the local press corps, including by visiting the headquarters of Uthayan newspaper, which has been repeatedly targeted throughout the conflict. She is expected to meet with NPC Chief Minister CV Wigneswaran when in the Tamil-dominated North-East.
The senior US official will also participate in the inauguration of a new wing of Osmania College, which suffered significant damage during the conflict, as well as tour the Jaffna Library, where she will announce US support for the local restoration of ancient Tamil manuscripts, according to a press release.
In the south, Ambassador Power will highlight the United States’ commitment to strengthening its bilateral partnership, and will underscore US support for the country’s efforts toward reconciliation, accountability, and lasting peace. In Colombo, she will meet with senior government officials, community leaders, civil society groups, and youth.
In India, Ambassador Power will meet with senior Indian government officials to discuss UN Peacekeeping and the U.S.-India strategic partnership. She will also meet with civil society members and human rights activists.