US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu, has pledged full support for Sri Lanka’s ongoing anti-corruption initiatives and its efforts to recover funds that have been illicitly taken out of the country. Lu stated that the United States is ready to offer both financial and technical assistance to help the Sri Lankan government in these endeavors.
During a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat on December 7, 2024, Lu expressed the US government’s readiness to provide continued support to strengthen Sri Lanka’s economy and security. He underscored the importance of cooperation between the two nations, particularly in regard to combating corruption and restoring financial integrity.
The US government has also praised the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to prioritize key political, economic, and social issues, acknowledging the strategic reforms being implemented under the new administration. Lu’s remarks reflected the US commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka on its anti-corruption agenda.
President Dissanayake, speaking at the meeting, emphasized that political culture plays a critical role in corruption and waste, and he outlined ongoing efforts to shift the country’s political culture toward transparency and accountability. He mentioned that the government is working to reduce corruption by fostering a new political culture and improving public service efficiency through the adoption of modern technology.
Additionally, the President highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing the living standards of rural communities by boosting the rural economy and ensuring better access to quality public services.
The meeting also featured key figures from both sides, including Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chang. Representatives from USAID and the US Treasury Department, including Deputy Assistant Administrator Anjali Kaur and Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth, were also present. These officials discussed potential avenues for further collaboration to support Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
