The leader of Sri Lanka's National People's Power (NPP), Anura Kumara Dissanayake, held a meeting with the United States Ambassador, Julie Chung, at the NPP's head office in Pelawatta. The gathering, which took place yesterday afternoon, was also attended by the NPP's National Executive Members, Vijitha Herath and Muditha Nanayakkara.
During the meeting, the discussions spanned a range of global and national issues, underscoring the need for international intervention to address an ongoing humanitarian crisis and growing economic hardships in Sri Lanka.
Dissanayake conveyed to Ambassador Chung the urgency of United Nations mediation to alleviate the distress brought about by the continuous conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis. The two leaders highlighted the need for international cooperation and intervention to bring a swift resolution to this protracted conflict.
Turning their attention to domestic matters, Dissanayake and his delegation raised concerns about the economic challenges faced by the Sri Lankan populace, which have been exacerbated by the involvement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During the meeting, Ambassador Chung disclosed that the United States had extended humanitarian aid worth $278 million to Sri Lanka within the past year.
Additionally, the delegation addressed what they perceived as an erosion of democratic rights in the country. They emphasized their apprehensions regarding the postponement of local government elections, the delay in conducting provincial council elections, and an alleged attempt to defer the upcoming presidential election.
Ambassador Julie Chung took the opportunity to commend Dissanayake on his upcoming visit to the United States, which is set to commence on the 26th of this month. The visit is expected to foster collaboration, understanding, and the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two nations.