He made these remarks when he called on President Maithripala Sirisena on the sidelines of the 72nd Session of the UNGA, in New York, yesterday (21st Sept.).
President Sirisena recalled the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and the U.S.A and extended his gratitude for the assistance provided to Sri Lanka.
During this meeting, the President also appreciated the assistance given by the U.S.A to achieve success in the reconciliation process carried out in the country, to build sustainable peace after a three decade long war as well as for the support given for the development activities in the war affected areas.
The Under Secretary further expressing his views said that today Sri Lanka has a good foreign policy. He also appreciated the cooperative approach carried out by Sri Lanka with the countries in the region, as a country which is positioned in a strategic location in the Indian region, and said that President Sirisena is an exemplary leader who is working closely with all the member states.
The President expressing his views said that as a result of Sri Lanka being located strategically, the country has to face challenges as well as positive situations.
President Sirisena also said that today Sri Lanka is able to take forward better bilateral relationships with all the friendly states under a middle path foreign policy while maintaining a good relation regarding the security of the region. ‘Sri Lanka is committed to build peace in the Indian Ocean region’, the President added.
The President further said that Sri Lanka is facing an economically problematic situation, after the end of the nearly three-decade long war, and said that Sri Lanka expects continuous assistance from U.S.A for the development activities in the country, and the assistance of the U.S.A is further needed for the development of the fields of tourism, fisheries and marine in the country.
President Sirisena, commenting on the current political situation in the country said that the future activities of the government are carried out by the two main political parties in the country jointly in a cooperative manner.
The Under Secretary assured the President their continuous assistance to Sri Lanka and said he expects to visit Sri Lanka next November.
