United States Under Secretary of Political Affairs Victoria Nuland yesterday welcomed the first steps taken by the government of Sri Lanka in the fields of National healing, Human Rights and Justice during the past few weeks.
She also welcomed the passage of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provision) Amendment Bill in Parliament on Tuesday.
Addressing a joint press conference after a meeting with Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris yesterday, Nuland commended the President’s decision to meet the Tamil National Alliance on Friday.
She added that the US is encouraging the government to hold the provincial council election which will broaden the democratic space “Economic relation is absolutely vital”, she said.
She also welcomed the government decision to reach out to the International Monetary Fund to fulfill its monetary and fiscal needs.
Nuland said that setting up a truth seeking mechanism in line with the South African model is an important step and the US is looking forward to support such a mechanism.
“Sri Lanka is a vital partner for the US and very pleased to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries” he said.