70 Years of Diplomatic Relations with Sri Lanka

Floor Speech

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Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize that October marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Sri Lanka.

I am proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Sri Lanka Caucus. U.S. development and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, totaling roughly $2 billion, has improved livelihoods and living conditions across Sri Lanka through substantial investments in agriculture, economic development, education, health care, energy, and humanitarian activities.

The 2015 presidential election in Sri Lanka paved the way for renewed engagement in support of Sri Lanka's commitments to reform and reconciliation. In December 2016, Sri Lanka was selected to develop a Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. In August 2017, we celebrated the creation of the Sri Lanka America Association of Las Vegas to foster solidarity within the Sri Lankan community in Southern Nevada. In February 2018, Sri Lanka and the United States signed a bilateral agreement to have the Peace Corps re-establish programs in Sri Lanka. The United States is Sri Lanka's largest export market; and as a partner legislature of the House Democracy Partnership, Sri Lanka's Parliament has engaged in training and exchange programs with the United States.

It is my hope that the U.S. will continue to support Sri Lanka on a path of reform and development and continue to reinforce our shared goals of regional security and stability, good governance, and commitment to democratic values. In doing so, our relationship will continue to flourish.

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