Sri Lanka and the US have explored opportunities to deepen defence and maritime cooperation between the two nations, during Deputy Secretary of the US State Department for Management and Resources Richard Verma’s recent visit to the island. 

According to a statement from the US State Department, Deputy Secretary Verma met with the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Foreign Minister Ali Sabry in Colombo last week. 

Deputy Secretary Verma highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, including $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 defence 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.

The US State Department further said 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. (NewsWire)

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Visiting United States Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma has expressed appreciation for the efforts taken by the Sri Lankan Government to turn the economy around.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), Richard Verma shared his views while calling on President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

During the discussions, the President outlined the progress of the debt restructuring process, along with several key economic reform measures, including the agriculture modernisation program.

Commenting on matters related to global security, the Deputy Secretary thanked the Sri Lankan Government for their assistance in the ongoing naval operations in the Red Sea. 

The President stated that Sri Lanka remains committed to Freedom of Navigation in the Indian Ocean, echoing solidarity with Saudi Arabia’s stance on the Houthi rebels. (NewsWire)

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