Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. The Secretary congratulated Foreign Minister Sabry on the approaching 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence. The two discussed the United States’ support for Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, including nearly $240 million in new U.S. government assistance, and the importance of comparable treatment for all creditors as critical to debt restructuring and securing an IMF program.
Secretary Blinken urged the Government of Sri Lanka to continue its ongoing efforts toward economic and political reforms focused on transparency, inclusion, and good governance. The Secretary also welcomed Sri Lanka’s agreement to join the Global Methane Pledge. Both sides affirmed their common interest in tackling the climate crisis by accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to clean energy, and strengthening resilience to climate impacts. In addition, the leaders discussed the two countries’ shared commitment to advance democratic principles, including respect for human rights.