Message from the President of Sri Lanka to the President of the United States of America
His Excellency Barack Obama
President of the United States of America

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the government and the people of Sri Lanka, allow me to congratulate you, the government and the people of the United States, as you celebrate the momentous occasion of 240 years of independence today. The United States of America stands as a true testament to what can be achieved through human ingenuity, perseverance and commitment to democratic practice.

The past year has seen Sri Lanka and the United States together heralding a new chapter in our bilateral relations. Our shared commitment to democracy and people centric governance has served as the foundation for reinvigorating our ties. The landmark U.S. – Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue inaugurated in February has laid the groundwork to build multi-faceted stronger links between our two nations. We have been encouraged by the support expressed at all levels in the United States for the ongoing progressive transformation in Sri Lanka.

As amply manifested during the recent floods and landslides that affected large parts of our island, the United States has always been a steadfast friend to Sri Lanka in our time of need and the assistance extended is remembered with deep gratitude by the people of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka and the United States are bound by close ties of friendship founded on common values and expanding people to people contacts. I am confident that our partnership will deepen further in the years to come, enabling our peoples to benefit from this time-tested friendship.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your health, happiness and personal wellbeing and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the United States of America.

Maithripala Sirisena
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Message from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka to the Secretary of State of the United States of America

The Honourable John F. Kerry
Secretary of State of the United States of America

Your Excellency,

It gives me great pleasure to extend our congratulations to you and to the American people as you celebrate the landmark 240th anniversary of independence. On this day, Americans can look back with pride at their contribution to global development and human advancement in the modern era.

Our shared democratic values have formed the bedrock of our bilateral relations. While our ties have stood the test of time, I am pleased with the ever increasing engagement between our two nations since the election of our government to office last year. Your historic visit to Sri Lanka set the tone and direction to our reinvigorated relationship. The words of encouragement from all our friends in the United States have continued to inspire us as we move along on a delicate but rewarding reform and reconciliation process. The first Partnership Dialogue between our two countries in February marked a pivotal moment in our multifaceted ties and special friendship.

I remain grateful for your steadfast commitment to promote stronger relations between our two countries. Sri Lanka stands ready to work with the United States to bolster our cooperation and understanding on global issues of the 21st century and to advance our mutual interests, both bilaterally and in multilateral fora.

I wish you and your family a happy 4th of July.

Mangala Samaraweera M.P.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka