US Secretary of State visit to SL confirmed; Govt. Spokesperson

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Indian Express Newspaper reported today, the US Secretary of State will travel to Sri Lanka after concluding a two day visit to India. The Secretary of State is expected to arrive in India to attend the 2+2 talks, a dialogue between the Defence and Foreign Minister of the two nations. The Secretary of State who will attend the decisive meeting centering Indo-Pacific policies, will then arrive in Sri Lanka, followed by a visit to the Maldives. "The arrival has been confirmed now. We need to improve our country's economy. The necessary arrangements will be made based on the approval of health authorities." Joint Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Keheliya Rambukwella remarked. Meanwhile, Indrananda Silva, working committee member of the Front line socialist party warned about the possibility of the US resurfacing the MCC agreement. "America has agreed to provide a grant of 500 million USD. America has reiterated that 20 million of the total sum will be presented to aid in the efforts of combatting COVID-19. Then, 480 million USD is left. This sum is the amount which was to be provided as a grant through the MCC" he said. Remarking on this event, Joint Cabinet Spokesperson, Udaya Gammanpila said the country will not bow down to foreign influence. "In 2009, British Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Bernard Kushner arrived in the country and exerted undue influence to end the war" he pointed out. "Any leader can come here. If they do not come, that too will be an issue for the opposition" added Minister Johnston Fernando.