Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Donald Lu convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the United States. Wijewardane briefed Lu on recent economic developments in Sri Lanka, emphasizing export-oriented growth strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing governance, financial oversight, and combating corruption. Discussions also centered on security cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain, to ensure maritime safety, security, and trade facilitation.
Lu commended Sri Lanka’s efforts in the IMF process and acknowledged the passage of anti-corruption legislation, pledging ongoing support for its implementation and broader macroeconomic reforms. He encouraged Sri Lanka to pursue inclusive approaches across all fronts. The meeting, attended by senior officials from both sides, highlighted the collaborative efforts between the two nations in various sectors, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation.
Following the meeting, Lu paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and met with Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka, further affirming the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutual understanding. The presence of senior officials from key departments underscored the comprehensive nature of discussions and the shared commitment to advancing mutual interests and addressing common challenges.