FOREIGN
RELATIONS
Sri Lanka
traditionally follows a nonaligned foreign policy but has been
seeking closer relations with the United States since December
2001. It participates in multilateral diplomacy, particularly
at the United Nations, where it seeks to promote sovereignty,
independence, and development in the developing world. Sri Lanka
was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). It also
is a member of the Commonwealth, the South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the World Bank, International Monetary
Fund, Asian Development Bank, and the Colombo Plan. Sri Lanka
continues its active participation in the NAM, while also stressing
the importance it places on regionalism by playing a strong role
in SAARC.
U.S.-SRI
LANKAN RELATIONS
The United States enjoys cordial relations with Sri Lanka that are based, in large part, on shared democratic traditions. U.S. policy toward Sri Lanka is characterized by respect for its independence, sovereignty, and moderate nonaligned foreign policy; support for the country's unity, territorial integrity, and democratic institutions; and encouragement of its social and economic development. The United States is a strong supporter of ethnic reconciliation in Sri Lanka.
U.S. assistance has totaled more than $1.63 billion since Sri Lanka's
independence in 1948. Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), it has contributed to Sri Lanka's economic growth with projects designed to reduce unemployment, improve housing, develop the Colombo Stock Exchange, modernize the judicial system, and improve competitiveness. At the June 2003 Tokyo Donors' Conference on Sri Lanka, the United States pledged $54 million, including $40.4 million of USAID funding. Following the 2004 tsunami, the United States is providing $135 million in relief and reconstruction assistance.
In addition, the International Broadcast Bureau (IBB)--formerly Voice of America (VOA)--operates a radio-transmitting station in Sri Lanka. The U.S. Armed Forces maintain a limited military-to-military relationship with the Sri Lanka defense establishment.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--Robert O. Blake
Deputy Chief of Mission--James R. Moore
Head of Political Section--Michael DeTar
Head of Economic/Commercial Section--Robert Gabor
Management Officer--Maria Brewer
Consular Officer--Christopher Green
The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka is located at 210 Galle Road, Colombo 3 (tel: 94-11-249-8500, fax: 94-11-243-7345). U.S. Agency for International Development offices are located at the American Center, 44 Galle Road, Colombo 3 (tel: 94-11-249-8000; fax: 94-11-247-2850/247-2860). Public Affairs offices also are located at the American Center (tel: 94-11-249-8100, fax: 94-11-244-9070).
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