Introductory Remarks by:
His Excellency Prasad Kariyawasam
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States

With Commentary from:
Mr. Jeevan Thiagarajah
Executive Director 
Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies

Ms. Dhanya Ratnavale
Manager for Early Recovery and Development
Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies

Moderated by:
Dr. Bharath Gopalaswamy
Acting Director, South Asia Center

Following Sri Lanka’s successful democratic elections in January, the new administration has signaled a desire to revive its relationship with the United States and India. Under President Maithripala Sirisena’s leadership, Sri Lanka has already taken strides to rebuild its economy and further its strategic importance in South Asia. Colombo’s top priority is the formulation of a national policy framework, including the End of Displacement and Reconciliation, which will guide the country for years to come. In this context, as the United States and Sri Lanka work to deepen their longstanding commitment to bilateral relations, the panelists will explore the potential for the two countries to support one another in the transition toward a dynamic, new order in South Asia.