US Acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Ambassador Bruce Wharton expounded upon the long standing ties that have existed between the United States and Sri Lanka.
Speaking as the chief guest at the celebrations hosted by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C. to mark the 69th anniversary of country’s independence, Wharton highlighted the crucial role Sri Lanka will play, in the future of freight transport in South Asia.
“Today Sri Lanka has the potential to become the next Asian Tiger. It boasts one of the most strategic maritime locations in the entire Indo-Pacific region, making the sea lanes off of Sri Lanka’s southern coast some of the world’s most important economic arteries,” he said delivering a speech during the event.
He further added that “All of this cooperation wouldn’t be possible without the democratic progress Sri Lanka has made and its renewed commitment to reconciliation, accountable government, and freedom of expression.”
Wharton declared that the United States fully supports all amateur enterprises, and will help improve the business climate in Sri Lanka.
He also appreciated the efforts made by the Sri Lankan navy that helped out with a rescue mission, which occurred off the coast of Sri Lanka.
Commenting on bilateral relations, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the United States, Prasad Kariyawasam referred in particular to the high level U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue and the selection of Sri Lanka for a compact programme of the Millennium Challenge Corporation in 2016.
He remarked that the leaders of Sri Lanka look forward to working with the new US Administration to build on the exponential progress of the multi-faceted bilateral relationship, nurtured especially during the last two years.
