The US-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue was held yesterday (6), to discuss the policies pertaining to democratic rule and progressive prosperity for the people of Sri Lanka. 

The meeting that was co-chaired by Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prasad Kariyawasam, and the US Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon marked a poignant political juncture in the bilateral relations between the United States and Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at the partnership dialogue, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon stated that the US will support the reconciliation program adopted by the current Sri Lankan government, even though the implementation of the program has come under the scrutiny of the UN. 

Thomas Shannon stated that while the reconciliation of Sri Lanka has been sluggish, the US recognizes the need for a sustainable reconciliation program within the island nation. He further stated that USAID will continue to support the Lankan government in the implementation of the reconciliation program, as in their view it clearly reflects the pulse of the people.  

Following the meeting the US and Sri Lanka issued a joint statement recalling their co-sponsorship of a resolution at the UNHRC Council held in March of 2017, bolstering the reconciliation program adopted by Sri Lanka to promote harmony and sustainability to ensure lasting peace within the country.        

In his address, Shannon lauded the efforts made the government of Sri Lanka to introduce constitutional reform stating that it would be a welcome procedure for the country. He further acknowledged the dedication shown by the government towards the protection of democracy, rule of law and reconciliation. 
  
Both the US and Sri Lanka recognized the poignancy of a free and open indo-pacific region creating vast opportunities for all countries involved. The two states agreed that security and stability within the region should be structured giving rise to the need for a formulation of a rule-based order to govern the region. 

The need for the freedom of navigational overflight to enhance maritime order was discussed where Sri Lanka stated the requirement as an island nation to bolster maritime security. The US also pledged their support to help Sri Lanka develop into a regional-hub flushed with trade and commerce through international and maritime trade. 

Following the first bilateral dialogue between the US and Sri Lanka in February, both countries have made progressive steps to bolster their diplomatic ties. Making a further commitment, the US declared that they will gift a second US Coast Guard cutter to the Sri Lankan Navy following the completion of congressional notice to enable Sri Lanka to better patrol and protect its maritime boundaries.  

The role played by the US in establishing the Sri Lanka Marine Corps, was appreciated by state officials. Sri Lankan military operatives were given the opportunity to attend professional military academies in the US to better their skills and military capabilities. The bilateral security cooperation between the US and Sri Lanka will continue. The US has aided Sri Lanka through military means by conducting joint-military exercises, assisting in demining and increasing joint-military engagement. 

The global threat posed by the terrorist group ISIS and the unstable nuclear ballistics program of North Korea was also discussed. Both nations agreed that terror groups should not be permitted to infringe upon the security and freedom of the global populace. The importance of the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions upon the DPRK was also highlighted.  

The US praised the Indian Ocean regional Conference held in August stating that the event promoted regional harmony and encouraged transnational dialogue.  

Tom Shannon and Prasad Kariyawasam stressed the importance of the bilateral relationship between the US and Sri Lanka and pledged to continue to bolster the ties between the two countries.