U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma, who is in Sri Lanka on an official visit, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning (Feb.23).

The Deputy Secretary’s meetings with senior officials in Colombo is expected to support U.S.-Sri Lanka defense and maritime security cooperation.

During his stay, Verma is slated to visit the Colombo Port’s West Container Terminal, where the U.S. is supporting Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery through USD 553 million in financing to transform Colombo into a regional shipping hub. 

He will also meet with civil society leaders to hear their perspective on democratic governance in Sri Lanka and with government officials to voice the support of the U.S. for the protection of free speech and open discourse.

Prior to his Sri Lanka visit, Verma travelled to India and the Maldives to discuss full range of issues including economic cooperation, security, and technology. The US State Department said these visits are expected to bolster the United States’ cooperation with each of these key Indo-Pacific partners.

Meanwhile, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Elizabeth M. Allen also travelled to the island nation earlier this week. During a meeting with Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, Allen discussed several recent positive developments between Sri Lanka and the US in the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic relations.