US Ambassador in Colombo Julie Chung said that the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka continues to strengthen, promoting shared democratic values and interests in diplomacy, commerce, culture and more.
She was speaking at a reception hosted by the US Embassy in Colombo to mark the 248th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America at the Galle Face Hotel on Thursday (27). Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affair Minister Harin Fernando was the chief guest.
The US Ambassador added that both countries are poised to deepen cooperation across all areas, reflecting a vision for an even stronger U.S. – Sri Lanka relationship in the future.?
“With bilateral relations spanning over seven decades and people to people connections that go back even further, the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka continues to strengthen, promoting shared democratic values and interests in diplomacy, commerce, culture and more”, the ambassador said.
She said that even though dissent can be challenging, the United States welcomes it. “This is the essence of our First Amendment, the right to freedom of expression. It takes work to sustain democracy, and at times, it can seem fragile. But I have no doubt that we Americans will continue strengthening our democracy and pursuing accountability and integrity within our institutions of Government”, she added.
The Ambassador also said that the United States, Sri Lanka, and many other nations are holding elections this year that will shape their futures. “No matter who wins in either of our countries, the United States remains committed to our partnership with the Government and people of Sri Lanka”, she added.
Chaminda Perera
