FM briefs US Deputy Secretary of State

Foreign Minister Bogollagama briefed the newly appointed US Deputy Secretary of State, James Steinberg, on the current situation of Sri Lanka at a meeting last week on the sidelines of the 8th Shangri - La Dialogue in Singapore.

He explained to Steinberg the latest political developments in the country and thanked the US Government for its assistance and cooperation in combating terrorism. Bogollagma emphasised that the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord on devolution of power would be implemented in the form of a 13th Amendment plus plan. He stated that Sri Lanka wished to have a wider and more comprehensive engagement with other countries in the post-conflict era.

He added that the Tamil political leaders in the country today have greater freedom after defeating terrorism.

Deputy Secretary Steinberg stated that the US understands the challenging tasks Sri Lanka is confronted with and complimented the devolution process. Minister Bogollagma stated that it would be vital for the US to disseminate information on the post-conflict development process.