Colombo: Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha, has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – United States of America Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament. The election took place during a special meeting aimed at reviving the association, which was presided over by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.
According to News.LK, the event was graced by the presence of the U.S. Ambassador, H.E. Julie Chung, who attended as the guest of honor, alongside Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, various Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera. During the meeting, Member of Parliament Harshana Rajakaruna was also elected as the Secretary of the association.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne addressed the meeting, underscoring the long-standing engagement between Sri Lanka and the United States. He highlighted the importance of the bilateral relationship, which is founded on mutual interests and shared commitments to democratic governance. The Speaker noted the engagement spans several areas, including political, economic, defense, intelligence sharing, education, and people-to-people connections, and expressed gratitude for U.S. assistance through USAID.
Ambassador Julie Chung remarked on the 76-year-long partnership between the two nations, emphasizing their roles as partners and friends. She pointed out the wide-ranging engagement across critical areas such as education, disaster management, economic development, and cultural exchange, which underscores the commitment to collaboration and mutual growth.
Newly elected President Prof. Anil Jayantha expressed his commitment to enhancing the relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States. He emphasized his dedication to advancing cooperation in various sectors, aiming to foster closer ties.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also spoke at the meeting, stressing the significance of the Parliamentary Friendship Association in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering legislative collaboration between the two countries.