US to strengthen bilateral relations with Sri Lanka

The United States has reiterated its support for Sri Lanka's ongoing post-conflict development process and discussed strengthening relations between the two countries on trade and aviation, the Sri Lankan government said today.

The US Ambassador Patricia Butenis has given these assurances when she met President Mahinda Rajapaksa Tuesday at the President's House.

During the meeting that took place also with the participation of External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris and the Foreign Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe, the envoy has discussed the post-conflict reconciliation process and the progress on talks with the country's major Tamil party Tamil National Alliance (TNA).

They also have discussed the issue of Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan Northern waters and the progress in finding a solution to the problem.

The President's media said the meeting was cordial with both sides agreeing to strengthen ties between the two countries.