Top US officials visit Sri Lanka for wide-ranging talks

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several top US diplomats are visiting Sri Lanka, and they include the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. 

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources:

Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America Richard Verma visited Sri Lanka from 22 - 23 February 2024.  The visiting U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and delegation had extensive discussions with Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on further strengthening bilateral cooperation. 

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe following the discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, while appreciating the humanitarian and emergency assistance granted by the U.S. to overcome the economic challenges encountered by Sri Lanka, welcomed the recent US$ 553 million development assistance extended by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to the Colombo West International Terminal Private Limited. He also appreciated the U.S. assistance in securing the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) from the IMF, said a statement. 

Foreign Minister Sabry briefed Deputy Secretary of State Verma on Sri Lanka’s priorities as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the opportunities to foster collaboration in blue economy and maritime security in the region to promote freedom of navigation for all and for the facilitation of trade and commerce. 

He also apprised the Deputy Secretary of State of the Government’s efforts to further strengthen governance, democracy, and rule of law, as well as to combat corruption.

Deputy Secretary of State Verma while noting the encouraging progress in Sri Lanka following the economic downturn in the last two years, assured continuous U.S. assistance to the country towards economic prosperity.

The Deputy Secretary of State was accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung.

Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs:

United States Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Afreen Akhter is also in Sri Lanka.

US Ambassdor to Sri Lanka Julie Chung posted on X, that Afreen Akhter's presence among this week's high-level visitors underscores the robust partnership between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, highlighted by her meetings with government officials, civil society representatives, parliamentarians, and think tanks that emphasize unwavering U.S. commitment to transparency, human rights, and economic prosperity.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense:

The US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Lindsey Ford visited the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said that Ford's visit is for productive discussions on the US defense cooperation program and Sri Lanka’s important role in the Indian Ocean Region.

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy:

Earlier this week, Liz Allen, the first U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy to visit Sri Lanka, concluded a historic three-day trip to Colombo (February 17-19).

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen highlighted the importance of a free press in Colombo, emphasizing its role in holding governments accountable and strengthening nations.

"When a government constricts the rights and freedoms of its citizens, the future and the development of the country will naturally suffer," Under Secretary Allen declared. "Globally, we are witnessing serious and escalating challenges to media freedom."

She voiced specific concerns about the Online Safety Bill, stating that the United States had raised them "both privately and publicly."

"The media's bias should lean towards the public's interest, acting as a guarding force ensuring that leaders fulfill their duties. This principle holds in Sri Lanka, in the U.S., and globally."

She continued, underlining the responsibility of the press to "deliver facts as they stand, shedding light on government's achievements, as well as spotlighting where their programs or policies may fall short."

"Suppressing voices only complicates matters further. Attempting to conceal issues, rather than addressing them is akin to hiding a broken tool, rather than fixing it."

The US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, expressed the United States' concerns over the potential repression of Freedom of Expression and stifling of dissent that the Online Safety Bill in Sri Lanka could face.

Allen stated that the US shares the apprehensions of journalists, influencers, content creators, and people everywhere. She also mentioned that the US is encouraged by the amendments process and has taken the opportunity to provide feedback, both privately and publicly.

The Under Secretary also voiced the concerns of technology companies regarding their ability to operate freely in Sri Lanka. She emphasized that everyone sees the digital economy as a way to continue building Sri Lanka's economic future, attracting investments, and preserving freedom of expression.

However, Allen expressed concerns about the legislation as it currently stands. She stressed the importance of a consultative process as the amendments for the online safety bill move forward, and as the Anti-Terrorism Bill is considered before it is passed.

"We can only hope to have effective legislation if it is taking into account the equities from a variety of stakeholders," Allen said. She assured that the US will continue to advocate for this.

Allen also expressed empathy for journalists operating in the current environment, given the fear surrounding the Online Safety Bill.