Obama says there is new hope for democracy in Sri Lanka

President of the United States, Barack Obama, said that there is new hope for democracy in Sri Lanka and that India can play a positive role in helping countries like Sri Lanka forge a better future. 

“Of course, as I’ve said before, with power comes responsibility.  In this region, India can play a positive role in helping countries forge a better future, from Burma to Sri Lanka, where today there’s new hope for democracy.  With your experience in elections, you can help other countries with theirs.  With your expertise in science and medicine, India can do more around the world to fight disease and develop new vaccines, and help us end the moral outrage of even a single child dying from a preventable disease.  Together, we can stand up against human trafficking and work to end the scourge of modern day slavery.

Our nations are strongest when we see that we are all God’s children -- all equal in His eyes and worthy of His love.  Across our two great countries we have Hindus and Muslims, Christians and Sikhs, and Jews and Buddhists and Jains and so many faiths.  And we remember the wisdom of Gandhiji, who said, “for me, the different religions are beautiful flowers from the same garden, or they are branches of the same majestic tree.”  (Applause.)    Branches of the same majestic tree.” he said.

US President Barack Obama concluded his three-day India trip on Tuesday with a townhall address at the Siri Fort Auditorium. US First Lady Michelle Obama also attended the event.