President Sirisena has moved country away from divisive politics – US

President Maithripala Sirisena has moved the country away from divisive politics and crony capitalism toward a new path of reconciliation and inclusive development, the United States said today.

Richard E. Hoagland, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the US State Department, said hat democratic elections have brought about a sea-change in the relationship the US has with Sri Lanka.

Excerpt from speech:

“Democratic elections have also brought about a sea-change in our relationship with Sri Lanka, a mere 35 miles across the Palk Strait from India’s southeast coast, where the new president has moved the country away from divisive politics and crony capitalism toward a new path of reconciliation and inclusive development.

We plan to do a lot to support Sri Lanka’s pursuit of that new path, to strengthen its governance, especially its judicial and financial institutions. This new path will be a boon for the Sri Lankan people, but also for U.S. interests: we can now work together with Sri Lanka to promote good governance and human rights abroad, as well as improve maritime security in the Indian Ocean.”

(Ada Derana)