U.S. says much remains to be done in Sri Lanka

The United States on Wednesday said there is a lot of work to be done in Sri Lanka after a new government came to power last month.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal, who just concluded a visit to Sri Lanka, said her government looks forward to partnering with the Sri Lankan people to address the challenges and help Sri Lanka realize its true potential.

"It was a privilege to visit Colombo to witness for myself the sense of excitement and optimism that the Sri Lankan people have ushered in through the historic January 8 election. In my meetings with government, civil society, private sector, and political parties, I heard a consistent message of hope about translating this promise into a brighter reality for all Sri Lankans," Biswal said in a statement issued at the conclusion of her visit.

Biswal said during her Sri Lanka visit she had very productive conversations with President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Urban Development Minister Rauff Hakeem, and State Minister for Defense Ruwan Wijewardene.

"I also had a chance to meet with other political, civil society, religious, and business leaders. In all of these meetings I reiterated our desire to see the U.S.-Sri Lanka relationship grow to the benefit of both our nations. I congratulated President Sirisena on his victory and expressed the United States' willingness to work with the new government as it pursues a future for Sri Lanka that is peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous," she added. Endi