Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening relations with the United States during the revival of the Sri Lanka-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Association. The event was attended by U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and several Members of Parliament.
Addressing the gathering, Premadasa commended the United States for its significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s democratic and economic development. He highlighted the U.S.’s role in fostering human development, economic growth, and counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing the need to ensure that economic progress translates into shared prosperity and social justice.
Recognizing the challenges Sri Lanka continues to face, Premadasa called on the U.S. to sustain its support for the nation’s recovery from multiple crises, including the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing economic downturn. He expressed confidence that enhanced U.S.-Sri Lanka cooperation would accelerate the country’s path toward stability and growth.
Reflecting on his own experience as a former intern in the U.S. Senate, Premadasa praised the American democratic system’s emphasis on accountability and transparency. He underscored the importance of democracies learning from one another to strengthen governance and institutional integrity.
Concluding his remarks, Premadasa expressed optimism that the enthusiasm among Sri Lankan parliamentarians for closer U.S.-Sri Lanka relations would translate into concrete policies and initiatives that benefit both nations.
