Senior US official to visit Sri Lanka

February 17, 2024 at 1:57 PM

US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth Marie Allen is expected to visit Sri Lanka this week.

Issuing a statement, the US Department of State said the visit underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to reinforcing and expanding partnerships and alliances. 

The trip highlights the core of U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy initiatives: fostering freedom of expression, economic empowerment, and global collaboration.

Concluding her visit to Jordan, Under Secretary Allen will travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka to reaffirm U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

Her agenda includes fostering dialogue on freedom of expression and democratic values with diverse groups of stakeholders, including journalists, civil society members, government officials, and the Embassy’s Youth Forum. 

Her engagements with the Sri Lanka Press Institute, U.S. public diplomacy program alumni, and local content creators will emphasize the critical role of preserving diverse voices for a stable and inclusive Sri Lanka. 

Additionally, she will meet with representatives from Sri Lanka’s multifaith community to underscore the importance of societal inclusivity.

Following her visit to Sri Lanka, Under Secretary Allen will travel to Mumbai, India. (NewsWire)