US official assures SL of continued assistance, meets Prez, Opp. Leader

Kaproth met GR in Colombo just a few weeks before his ouster

The US has reiterated its commitment to helping Sri Lanka to overcome economic challenges and also continue with its structural reforms programme.

The fresh assurance was given by US Department of the Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Asia, Robert Kaproth, when he met President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo. Kaproth was accompanied by US Ambassador here Julie Chung.

The DAS for Asia concluded his two-day visit on Tuesday (06).

The US Embassy spokesperson said: “DAS Kaproth’s visit to Colombo focused on gaining a clear understanding of Sri Lanka’s latest macroeconomic and financial conditions and outlook. Ambassador Chung and DAS Kaproth met President Ranil Wickremesinghe and reaffirmed that the United States would continue to explore areas in which their engagement and support would help Sri Lanka to overcome its economic challenges and continue its structural reforms.”

The US official also met Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, PC, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, State Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe,and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.

DAS Kaproth also met officials of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank, based in Colombo, to further communication and coordination in assisting Sri Lanka to deepen its reforms and achieve healthy and sustainable growth.