The US will provide technical assistance to Sri Lanka in its reform process and send teams to visit the island nation in this regard, visiting Secretary of State John Kerry said here on Saturday.
He made the remarks after meeting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera here.
Kerry is currently in the island nation on a two-day state visit to hold talks with the government and political leaders, making him the first US secretary of state to visit Sri Lanka in 43 years.
Addressing the media with Samaraweera, Kerry said he had pledged to the foreign minister that the US wants to work with Sri Lanka and help in any way to shape the future according to what the people of Sri Lanka want.
He noted that the island nation has shown progress in many areas over the past few months, including on creating a more accountable governance.
"This is a time of opportunity for Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka today many of us see a moment of extraordinary promise," he said, adding that the new government has backed its words with actions.
Kerry further said Sri Lanka has many challenges before it, but also noted that the government was not afraid to tackle tough issues.
He said the US intends to broaden and deepen its partnership with the island nation.
The Sri Lankan government, in the meantime, assured the US that it will address the issues related to accountability over human rights abuses alleged to have taken place during the civil war.
The foreign minister said he believes the discussions Kerry will have in Sri Lanka will provide an opportunity for both sides to understand their respective priorities and that the discussions will also heighten the existing close and friendly relations shared between the two nations.
