By: Isuru Parakrama
September 30, Colombo (LNW): The United States has expressed its intent to collaborate closely with newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his administration, aiming to deepen bilateral relations and drive economic growth.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie J. Chung, made these remarks at the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), highlighting the importance of the partnership between the two nations.
Ambassador Chung congratulated President Dissanayake on his victory, affirming that the US is keen to work with his government to ensure a brighter and more stable future for the people of Sri Lanka.
She also acknowledged Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya’s commitment to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), describing her historic appointment as a significant milestone for the country, particularly in empowering young women aspiring to leadership roles.
Ambassador Chung stressed that as Sri Lanka seeks to attract new FDI, maintaining transparency and upholding high standards for investors will be crucial. By doing so, the country will not only generate jobs and boost growth but also attract further long-term investments.
The US, being Sri Lanka’s largest export market, remains committed to enhancing the nation’s productivity and capacity for exports, she noted.
Furthermore, Chung emphasised the critical role of AMCHAM and its members in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, urging the government to adhere to the IMF’s reform agenda.
This includes improving governance, reforming inefficient State-Owned Enterprises, and intensifying anti-corruption efforts, all of which are pivotal to building a transparent and resilient economy.
Chung also highlighted the US’s ongoing support for Sri Lanka’s development, particularly in the realm of technology and innovation. One notable example is Microsoft’s pilot programme introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into Sri Lankan education, which is helping to equip the nation with cutting-edge tools for future growth.
Looking ahead, the US ambassador stressed the importance of empowering women in leadership, pointing to Sri Lanka’s third female Prime Minister as an inspiration for young girls across the country.
She noted that while challenges remain, the US government and private sector stand ready to partner with Sri Lanka to navigate these obstacles and create new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Chung drew a parallel between Sri Lanka’s potential for growth and the early days of Amazon, the US-based global e-commerce giant.
She shared the inspirational story of how Jeff Bezos transformed Amazon from a small online bookstore into a world-leading company, illustrating the power of innovation and resilience.
Chung encouraged Sri Lankan businesses to adopt a similar mindset, thinking creatively and embracing new opportunities to drive progress.
According to the Ambassador, Sri Lanka, much like Amazon in its early years, is poised for significant growth, and with the right strategy, can achieve remarkable success in various industries.
