US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee calls on President Sirisena

Colombo (News1st) - The US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee delegation called on President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s Official Residence yesterday. The delegation comprised of Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Mac Thornberry, Henry Cuellar, Vickie Hartzler and Carol Shea-Porter. During the meeting, President Sirisena said Sri Lanka is a country, which will work in a cooperative and friendly manner with the international community and recalled the assistance given by the U.S in training Sri Lankan forces. A communique issued by the President's Media Division said the cooperation of the United States Security forces is important to control drug smuggling. The delegates stated the internal security of Sri Lanka is important for the regional security and the world peace and said the expectation of their Sri Lankan tour is to find out the actions required to strengthen the security and cooperation between both countries and the armed forces. A group including Secretary to the President Austin Fernando, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prasad Kariyawasam, and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap attended the event. The delegation also called on Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition leader R. Sampanthan and Speaker Karu Jayasuriya.