[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 171 (Tuesday, November 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2337]]
                        TRIBUTE TO JAMES LEADER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 6, 2007

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to James 
Leader, a dedicated Foreign Service Officer who has done so much to 
promote and strengthen relations between the United States and the 
Republic of Sri Lanka. He has been an example of the best of our 
Foreign Service--passionate, knowledgeable, and effective.
  Jim served at the American Embassy in Colombo from 1970-72 and as a 
Desk Officer for Sri Lanka in the Department of State from 1973-77. He 
maintained contact with many Sri Lankans and Americans interested in 
Sri Lankan affairs and recognized the need to form an organization to 
nurture and build on those relationships. To meet that need, in 1994, 
Jim teamed up with Gil Shinbaum to launch the auspiciously-named 
Serendipity Group.
  The Serendipity Group is an organization of former American 
Ambassadors and officials who lived in Sri Lanka and retain a strong 
interest in Sri Lankan affairs. My father, who served as an Ambassador 
to Sri Lanka between 1973-76, and my mother were part of this group, 
and I witnessed the commitment, shared by all its members, to building 
stronger ties between the United States and Sri Lanka.
  Jim and his wife, Carillon, invited Group members to their home for 
informal discussions and activities. He recruited speakers to 
Serendipity Group forums and fostered conversation between Sri Lankan 
Ambassadors to the United States, U.S. Ambassadors to Colombo, 
scholars, writers, and others who shared his passion for Sri Lankan-
American interests.
  In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Jim deserves recognition for 
his philanthropic work. In 2004, when Sri Lanka was devastated by the 
tsunami, he mobilized resources for a significant relief donation.
  In all, James Leader's initiative in founding the Serendipity Group, 
and his inspired leadership, have made an important contribution to the 
relationship between the United States and the Republic of Sri Lanka. 
As he steps down as leader of the Group, I congratulate him on his 
years of service, both in public and private life, and wish him all the 
best in his future endeavors.

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