Donald Lu, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, arrived in Sri Lanka early this morning (05) as part of an official delegation aimed at bolstering U.S.-Sri Lanka relations.
Arrival and Welcome
Assistant Secretary Lu, accompanied by another senior U.S. Department of State official, landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 2:55 a.m. on Qatar Airways flight QR-662 from Doha. Representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the delegation.
Agenda in Sri Lanka
The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka announced that the visit focuses on advancing collaborative efforts to promote sustainable economic growth, combat corruption, and strengthen people-to-people ties.
Assistant Secretary Lu is joined by USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Anjali Kaur and Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Kaproth. Together, they will meet with senior officials from Sri Lanka’s new administration and civil society representatives to:
- Deepen ties with the government.
- Support anti-corruption initiatives.
- Explore U.S. technical assistance and capacity-building programs to support governance and economic reforms.
Regional Engagement
The visit to Sri Lanka is part of a broader South Asia tour spanning December 3 to December 10, which includes stops in India and Nepal:
- India: In New Delhi, Assistant Secretary Lu will participate in U.S.-India East Asia Consultations alongside Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink. Discussions will focus on U.S.-India collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, as well as global and regional issues.
- Nepal: In Kathmandu, meetings with senior leaders will prioritize cooperation in environmental protection, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. Lu will also engage with youth leaders and highlight the importance of cultural preservation for Nepal’s tourism and economy.
The trip underscores the United States’ commitment to regional prosperity and security, reflecting a strategic focus on deepening partnerships in South Asia.
