WASHINGTON: The US needs to build a constructive relationship with Sri Lanka, which is positioned in a strategic location in the heart of the Indian Ocean, a senior American diplomat nominated by President Joe Biden as his messenger to its archipelagoes to the archipelago countries.
Foreign Service Officer Julie Chung, during the hearing of the congress on Wednesday, told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee who was positioned by Sri Lanka in a strategic location in the heart of the Indian Ocean and its critical port with access to the global maritime lane and the trade route played an important role in the Indo architecture -Pasifik is free and open.
“It strengthens the need for the United States to establish constructive relations with Sri Lanka, including with civil society, the private sector and Sri Lankan people,” he said.
Chung told MPs that if confirmed, he would work tirelessly to advocate for quality infrastructure and investment based on transparency, respecting international law and good governance, which pay attention to environmental standards and sustainable labor.
“We also have to support our company to do business in Sri Lanka and utilize the tools we have with the development of Finance Corporation and export-import banks to provide alternatives for loan loans and opaque contracts,” he said, without naming any country.
China is one of the largest investors in various infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka.
But there are criticisms, both locally and internationally, and increasing fears that China has lured Sri Lanka into the debt trap.
The Government of Maithripala Sirisena previously handed over the port of Hambantota to a Chinese-managed Chinese company in 2017 for a 99-year rent as a $ 1.2 billion in debt swap.
US Diplomat Chung said: “The sinking of the MV X-press pearl cargo ship near Colombo Beach a few months ago, caused its biggest marine disaster in Sri Lankan’s history, pointing to the need to uphold the standards”.
“US humanitarian assistance, emergency response capabilities and environmental surveillance tools help Sri Lanka respond to this tragedy and is a symbol of how we can become a positive power and strong partner to the people of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Sri Lanka, he said, was the oldest democracy in Asia and survived the tragedy of civil war which resulted in unimaginable violence and continued ethnic and religious divisions.
“If confirmed, I am committed to speaking clearly and consistently supporting democratic values, human rights and strong civil society that are important for democracy and the center of our foreign policy approach.” We also have to be a strong partner in encouraging justice, Accountability, and reconciliation so that all Sri Lankan can share in the benefits of peace, security and prosperity, “Chung added.