A bipartisan congressional staff delegation from the United States has arrived in Sri Lanka to explore ways of strengthening cooperation in governance, trade, and security, at a time when the island nation is debating the future of its democracy and the risks of political centralization.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, announcing the visit, said the group would meet with parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and senior officials of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration. The discussions are aimed at “sharing ideas on strengthening how our democracies work together,” she noted, adding that the United States views its partnership with Sri Lanka as vital for both regional security and economic growth.
The delegation represents the House Democracy Partnership (HDP), a bipartisan initiative of the U.S. House of Representatives that supports accountable and transparent legislatures worldwide. HDP has worked in more than 20 partner countries, providing training and guidance on parliamentary practices, committee systems, and oversight mechanisms. Its mission is to bolster democracy by building institutional capacity that ensures governments remain accountable to their citizens.
The timing of the visit is critical for Sri Lanka. The new administration under President Dissanayake has promised to root out corruption, restructure foreign debt, and steer the economy out of crisis. However, debates over constitutional reform and the concentration of power have sparked concern among civil society groups, who warn against the dangers of sliding toward one-party dominance.
For Washington, supporting Sri Lanka’s parliamentary democracy goes hand in hand with broader strategic interests. The island’s position in the Indian Ocean makes it a crucial partner in ensuring maritime security and countering rising geopolitical competition in the region. A resilient and transparent Sri Lankan democracy is seen as essential for long-term stability, both domestically and regionally.
The delegation’s engagement with civil society is also significant. Following Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic collapse and the public protests that reshaped its political landscape, many activists remain wary of shrinking democratic space. U.S. involvement, particularly through HDP, is likely to be viewed as reassurance that global attention remains fixed on the health of Sri Lanka’s democracy.
By emphasizing transparency, accountability, and cooperation, the visit sends a clear message: the United States is ready to stand with Sri Lanka not only in its economic recovery but also in its democratic renewal. As Sri Lanka navigates the twin challenges of restructuring debt and safeguarding political freedoms, the presence of this bipartisan U.S. delegation highlights that international partners are invested in ensuring democracy remains central to the country’s future.
