Washington, DC: Congratulating Sri Lanka for celebrating its 73rd anniversary of Independence, the United States said it looks forward to working with the South Asian island nation as a partner and friend to promote regional security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the United States will continue to cooperate to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, support global economic recovery, and meet future challenges together.
The text of the full statement by Secretary of State Antony Blinken is as follows.
“On behalf of the American people, I send sincere congratulations to the people of Sri Lanka as you celebrate the 73rd anniversary of your independence.
“On this day, the people of Sri Lanka and the United States celebrate our shared principles to protect and promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and equal justice for all. The success of the democratic endeavour lies in how we uphold these principles for all citizens.
“We look forward to working with Sri Lanka as a partner and friend to promote regional security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. We will continue to cooperate to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, support global economic recovery, and meet future challenges together.
“We wish the Sri Lankan people a safe and joyous National Day celebration and a promising year ahead.”
(FT)