US Ambassador Calls on Prime Minister Rajapaksa; Discusses COVID-19, Economy and Joint Collaborations

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning in Colombo and discussed a host of issues, including the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, post-COVID-19 economic challenges and ongoing collaborations. 

Speaking about the COVID-19 situation in the country, Ambassador Teplitz said, “We’re always hopeful that the public health situation gets better. We want to remain a steadfast partner.” 

On the economic front, the Prime Minister requested for U.S. assistance for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, noting that some of Sri Lanka’s major apparel-sector companies are now manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) to help meet global demand. 

The Ambassador agreed to follow-up on this request and informed the Prime Minister that the Embassy is already working with companies in different sectors to connect them with buyers in the United States. She said the United States would like to see Sri Lanka’s multinational companies as well as SMEs successfully overcome the crisis. 

The delegations also discussed upcoming elections in both countries and pending projects that the two countries will follow-up on as soon as the COVID-19 situation is under control.