[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 174 (Friday, October 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1460]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            70 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH SRI LANKA

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. DINA TITUS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2018

  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize that October marks 
70 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Sri 
Lanka.
  I am proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Sri Lanka Caucus. U.S. 
development and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, totaling roughly 
$2 billion, has improved livelihoods and living conditions across Sri 
Lanka through substantial investments in agriculture, economic 
development, education, health care, energy, and humanitarian 
activities.
  The 2015 presidential election in Sri Lanka paved the way for renewed 
engagement in support of Sri Lanka's commitments to reform and 
reconciliation. In December 2016, Sri Lanka was selected to develop a 
Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. In August 2017, we celebrated 
the creation of the Sri Lanka America Association of Las Vegas to 
foster solidarity within the Sri Lankan community in Southern Nevada. 
In February 2018, Sri Lanka and the United States signed a bilateral 
agreement to have the Peace Corps re-establish programs in Sri Lanka. 
The United States is Sri Lanka's largest export market; and as a 
partner legislature of the House Democracy Partnership, Sri Lanka's 
Parliament has engaged in training and exchange programs with the 
United States.
  It is my hope that the U.S. will continue to support Sri Lanka on a 
path of reform and development and continue to reinforce our shared 
goals of regional security and stability, good governance, and 
commitment to democratic values. In doing so, our relationship will 
continue to flourish.

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