Deputy Secretary Verma Engages Sri Lankan Government and Civil Society in Colombo Talks

FP Report

COLOMBO: Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma met with the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry today in Colombo. Deputy Secretary Verma highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, including through $270 million in economic support and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s $553 million in financing to support the Colombo West International Terminal. They also discussed progress on Sri Lanka’s IMF program, including economic and governance reforms aimed at putting Sri Lanka on the path to sustainable economic growth. They explored opportunities to deepen defense and maritime cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka, including strengthening the Sri Lanka Navy’s capabilities to safeguard national security and promote a more stable Indo-Pacific region. In his meetings with government officials and members of civil society, Deputy Secretary Verma emphasized the importance of protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, for a more inclusive, prosperous, and democratic Sri Lanka.