This was revealed during a meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (1).

During the discussions President Wickremesinghe extended his appreciation for the support provided by the U.S. Government during these difficult times.

The discussion also focussed on the on-going discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while the U.S. pledged to continue to support the negotiations with the aim of swiftly resolving the issues.

The President outlined the measures being taken in regard to the reconciliation talks with the minority parties in Sri Lanka, including the full implementation of the 13th Amendment.

Discussions also focussed on the on-going efforts to combat the growing narcotics trade, with the U.S. extending their assistance.

Julie Chung the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka attended this discussion while the President was accompanied by the Chief-of-Staff and Senior Adviser on National Security Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the President Mr Saman Ekanayake, Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. R.H. Samaratunga and Director of International Affairs Mr Dinouk Colombage.