The US needs to build constructive relationships with Sri Lanka and consistently support democratic values, human rights and a strong civil society that are essential to democracies and central to the foreign policy approach, said Foreign service officer Julie Chung , the American diplomat who was nominated by President Joe Biden as his next envoy to Sri Lanka. She made this statement during a Congressional hearing yesterday (20). Chung told lawmakers that if confirmed, she will work tirelessly to advocate for quality infrastructure and investment based on transparency, respect for international law and good governance, which is mindful of sustainable environmental and labour standards. Additionally, Chung said that she will work tirelessly to advocate for quality infrastructure and investment based on transparency, respect for international law and good governance, which is mindful of sustainable environmental and labour standards. “This reinforces the necessity for the United States to build constructive relationships with Sri Lanka, including with civil society, the private sector and the Sri Lankan people. We must also support US companies doing business in Sri Lanka and utilise the tools we have with the Development Finance Corporation and the Export-Import Bank to provide alternatives to coercive lending and opaque contracts,” she said. Additionally, the US diplomat said that the sinking of the MV X-Press Pearl cargo ship near the shores of Colombo a few months ago has caused its biggest marine disaster in Sri Lanka’s history, further pointing out the need for upholding such standards. “US humanitarian assistance, emergency response capabilities and environmental surveillance tools helped Sri Lanka respond to this tragedy and is emblematic of how we can be a positive force and strong partner to the people of Sri Lanka,” she said. Chung went on to say that Sri Lanka is Asia’s oldest democracy and survived the tragedy of a civil war that resulted in unimaginable violence and continued ethnic and religious divisions. “We must also be strong partners in encouraging justice, accountability and reconciliation so that all Sri Lankans can share in the benefits of peace, security and prosperity,” Chung concluded. Source: PTI