Time to Overcome Stiff Regional Competition
The following article based on the remarks by the writer at the Chief Guest at 177th Annual General Meeting of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, on July 29, 2016
by Atul Keshap
( July 1, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Sri Lanka’s exciting transformation began in January 2015, when voters gave their mandate to President Sirisena to implement a reform agenda aimed at restoring democracy and human rights, establishing transparent governance, and rooting out corruption. The Sri Lankan people resoundingly endorsed this reform agenda again last August when they elected a parliamentary coalition committed to democracy, good governance, and economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.
With its renewed commitment to rule of law, equal administration of justice and economic opportunity for all, the government of Sri Lanka is moving beyond the acrimony of the past toward a future that is inclusive, just, peaceful, and prosperous. The international community has embraced this positive vision and extended its considerable support, providing enormous dividends for the Sri Lankan people.
Today, ladies and gentlemen, it pleases me to report that American relations with Sri Lanka are at an historic high. As President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe lead their government in moving ahead with needed constitutional reform, national reconciliation, and fulfilling their United Nations commitments, the United States will remain steadfast in our support of efforts to rebuild the economy, advance good governance, and ensure that all Sri Lankans can enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities and the full benefits of post-conflict development and prosperity, regardless of their ethnicity or origins.
American Partnership with Sri Lanka
The United States has provided development and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka for 60 years, improving countless lives. We have made substantial investments in every sector from agriculture to enterprise development, education, healthcare, energy and natural resources, good governance and humanitarian activities.
