The American Overture

Commending Sri Lanka's return to democracy, visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry said the country has achieved enormous progress under the new government but cautioned that many challenges and difficult decisions still lie ahead.

A momentous occasion

Secretary Kerry's visit is a momentous occasion for Sri Lanka as it is the first official visit by a US Secretary of State in nearly half a century - 43 years, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera told the media at the joint press briefing.

He said,"I believe that this important visit signifies the return of our little island to the centre stage of international affairs."

The Minister said Secretary Kerry's visit to Sri Lanka comes at a 'very propitious moment' when the country celebrated the passage of the 19th Amendment to our Constitution, which was the apex of the Government's 100-day program.

Stressing that a domestic accountability mechanism with international technical assistance was currently being devised as promised in the election manifesto, he said the US was welcome to assist Sri Lanka in this task. Pointing out that Sri Lanka being a middle income country, can no longer solely rely on foreign aid, the Minister said the government intended to attract foreign direct investments as part of a broader strategy to kick-start the economy.

Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry offers a fruit basket to Ven. Dr. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Nayaka Thera, chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, during his visit to the historic temple. The US official later admired the murals for which Kelaniya is internationally famous. [Photo: Vipula Amarasinghe]

Speaking to US and local media after a bi-lateral meeting with his counterpart Mangala Samaraweera at the Foreign Ministry yesterday, the US Secretary of State said the US intended to broaden and deepen the partnership with Sri Lanka in the future, adding, "In this journey to restore your democracy the American people will stand with you."

His visit was the first since Secretary of State Colin Powell visited Sri Lanka in an unofficial capacity, in January 2005, soon after the Boxing Day tsunami.

Kerry said progress in restoring democratic institutions, creating accountable governance, reducing powers of presidency, battling corruption and reconciliation has been commendable in "a few short months".

He termed these 'sure indicators' of the commitment and the courage of the government in taking hard decisions to achieve durable peace and prosperity for all Sri Lankans."One thing about this government seems very clear, the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister are not afraid to tackling tough issues."They are willing to make difficult decisions and they are committed to keeping their promises," he said.

Emphasising that his tour was a goodwill visit, Kerry said, "The United States wants to work with Sri Lankans and help in any way to change the future of the country the way people of Sri Lanka wants it."

In response to a question by the Sunday Observer at a media briefing, Kerry said his visit should not be deemed as interference in Sri Lanka's internal affairs because the visit was taking place following invitations by the President, Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka."Everything that was discussed was not demands but offers, and those offers made with great respect for Sri Lankans," he explained.

During the bi-lateral talks, Sri Lanka and the United States agreed to formalise relations through an annual partnership dialogue to ensure greater cooperation in several fields including the economic front.

Secretary Kerry arrived in Colombo around 7.45 a.m. yesterday and his meeting with the Foreign Minister was his first official engagement.

The visiting envoy met President Maithripala Sirisena and later Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe over lunch. He visited the historic Kelaniya temple before returning to Colombo to deliver a speech and attend a media briefing.

The US delegation included Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal.

The bi-lateral meeting was attended by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapaksha and Deputy Foreign Minister Ajith P. Perera.

The US Secretary of State is scheduled to meet a delegation of TNA this morning before departing shortly before noon for Kenya and Djibouti where he will tour from May 3 - 5.