Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to reviving the Sri Lanka-US Parliamentary Friendship Association during a ceremony attended by US Ambassador Julie Chung and members of parliament.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Premadasa commended the United States for its significant role in Sri Lanka’s democratic and economic progress. He highlighted America’s contributions to human development, economic growth, and counter-terrorism initiatives, emphasizing their impact on the nation’s advancement.
Underscoring the need for inclusive development, he stressed that economic growth must translate into shared prosperity and social justice for all Sri Lankans.
Acknowledging the formidable challenges Sri Lanka has faced, Mr. Premadasa urged continued US support in the country’s recovery from multiple crises, including the Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing economic downturn. He expressed confidence that strengthened Sri Lanka-US cooperation would expedite the nation’s path to stability and progress.
Drawing from his own experience as a former intern in the United States Senate, Mr. Premadasa reflected on the accountability and transparency inherent in the American democratic system. He underscored the importance of democracies learning from one another to foster good governance.
Concluding his speech, he expressed optimism that the enthusiasm among Sri Lankan parliamentarians for deeper US-Sri Lanka relations would materialize into tangible policies and actions that benefit both nations.
