US Ambassador Meets SL Parliament Speaker

Ambassador Chung Commends Increased Women Representation in Sri Lankan Parliament

by Zulfick Farzan 29-01-2025 | 4:34 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, met with Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, at the Parliamentary premises.

Ambassador Chung had extended her warm congratulations to the Speaker and welcomed the revival of the Sri Lanka – United States of America Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Tenth Parliament, emphasizing its significance in strengthening bilateral ties.

The Speaker reciprocated by congratulating the newly elected President of the United States.

During their discussion, Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne expressed his appreciation for the United States' steadfast support during critical times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s recent economic challenges. He acknowledged the U.S. government's continued assistance to the Parliament and highlighted the importance of furthering cooperation between the two nations.

Ambassador Chung emphasized the shared democratic values between the United States and Sri Lanka and noted the potential for deeper collaboration through initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership, which fosters transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance. She also commended the notable increase in women's representation within the Parliament of Sri Lanka and reiterated U.S. support for the Women Parliamentarians' Caucus.

Further discussions focused on deepening parliamentary collaboration, enhancing institutional capacities, and exchanging best practices to strengthen democratic governance.