Trump reiterates counter-terrorism cooperation with SL

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment that the US would stand with Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terror attacks and expand counter-terrorism, maritime, and border security cooperation with the island nation.

President Trump has expressed this when Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the US, Rodney Perera presented his credentials to the US President on Monday.

While welcoming Ambassador Perera to Washington DC, President Trump also stressed the importance of working together to strengthen ties between the two countries, which are rooted in a shared commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“He welcomed Sri Lanka's commitments to promoting reconciliation, accountability, and justice in pursuit of lasting peace following the civil conflict,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement yesterday.

Ambassador Perera conveyed to President Trump the greetings and best wishes of the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.

He explained Sri Lanka’s continuing efforts to build relationships of confidence and trust, and to strengthen institutions essential for the sustainable progress of the multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious nation.

He further stated that a robust multi-dimensional relationship with the US remains an important objective for the Government and people of Sri Lanka, which includes strengthening trade and economic ties, widening people-to-people contacts and promoting international and regional peace and security.

“Ambassador Perera presented to President Trump, who has been involved in construction projects as an entrepreneur, the images of the Lovamahapaya and Jethavanaramaya, two monumental structures that speak volumes of Sri Lanka’s cultural, architectural and engineering heritage in the ancient world,” the statement said.

President Trump concluded that he looks forward to working with Ambassador Perera to advance the common bilateral agenda and deepen the bonds between the US and Sri Lanka.