We join @SecRubio in congratulating the people of Sri Lanka on 77 years of Independence and reaffirm the United States' commitment to addressing our shared challenges and to promote a free, open, and secure Indo Pacific region. Read his full message:

Met with Minister of Science & Technology Prof. Krishantha Abeysena today to discuss Sri Lanka’s investment in scientific innovation and explore how the U.S. private sector and academic institutions can partner with Sri Lanka to advance science and technology in this critical sector.

During my first meeting with Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Anura Karunathilaka today we discussed priorities, challenges, and opportunities in Sri Lanka’s housing and construction sector, including his plan to stimulate economic activity and promote infrastructure development.

Great meeting today with Bimal Rathnayake, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports & Civil Aviation, to discuss how strengthening Sri Lanka’s ports and transportation infrastructure & improving port operations in Sri Lanka contributes to economic growth, secure trade, and a stronger global supply chain for both our countries.

Honored to join Masters Cricket USA @mstrscricketusa in Colombo for the Over-50 Cricket World Cup as they raised $10,000 for Suwa Arana, Sri Lanka’s first pediatric palliative care center. Grateful for the generosity of private American citizens supporting holistic care, financial assistance, and family accommodation for Sri Lankan children with cancer. Their support demonstrates the power of sport to strengthen the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership, fostering goodwill and offering compassion and care to families.

Congratulations to Sri Lanka on your National Day! It was an honor to attend the ceremony at Independence Square today to celebrate the sovereignty and independence of your great nation. The United States looks forward to deepening our partnership to address regional challenges and enhance prosperity at home and in the Indo Pacific region.

Congratulations to the @SriLanka_Navy for assuming command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154 on January 26 – a historic milestone as Sri Lanka leads a CTF for the first time. It’s great to see Sri Lanka undertake a leadership role in multinational efforts enhancing maritime training and cooperation, strengthening global maritime security, and supporting the free, secure flow of commerce in some of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.

Had an insightful discussion with Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj to discuss priorities and initiatives advancing women’s rights and child protection. We agreed that empowering vulnerable communities, especially women and children, through education and opportunity, is essential for building a prosperous future where every individual’s contribution is valued and all voices are heard.

I joined the Prime Minister and Minister of Industry at the Sri Lankan Apparel Exporters Association (SLAEA) annual general meeting, where I spoke about the thriving apparel industry as a key driver of growth for Sri Lanka. Partnerships & investments with the United States promote innovation and quality manufacturing, advancing jobs and prosperity in both our countries.

Great to meet IOM Chief of Mission @IOMSLandMV @KristinBParco. We had a good discussion on border control, migration and addressing the scourge of human trafficking.

Today I met with Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe to hear about his priorities on food security and economic policies. We also discussed reducing trade and investment barriers and red tape in order to encourage private sector-led growth.

After an excellent meeting with the new Speaker of Parliament Hon. Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, I was honored to inaugurate the U.S.-Sri Lanka Parliamentarians Friendship Association. Together, we explored shared goals and celebrated the enduring bonds between our nations.

Wonderful to hear from U.S. @FulbrightPrgrm students and scholars who are studying, researching, and teaching here in Sri Lanka. The academic, scientific and people-to-people ties built through exchange programs like Fulbright will benefit both countries for years to come.

Great to meet with Sri Lanka's new Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic, and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar to learn about his Ministry's priorities and exchange views on combating illegal marine trade, cooperation on hydrography, and fisheries livelihoods.

During my meeting with Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Sunil Handunneththi this week, we discussed his insights on investment and shaping Sri Lanka’s economic future. Policies that support good governance, entrepreneurism, and a level playing field for investors will boost prosperity.

Pleased to have met with JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva to discuss our bilateral relationship and the many areas the U.S. partners with Sri Lanka —through education, innovation, trade, and security.

RT @StateDept: .@POTUS signed an Executive Order re-designating Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization…

This week I had the privilege of addressing alumni at our first-ever Professional Fellows Regional Alumni Summit in Colombo, with participants from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Our initiatives play a vital role in connecting Sri Lanka to the global and regional community—through security,education, innovation, and cultural preservation.

Today I addressed the @Strong_Cities Network workshop in Colombo, alongside the Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof and the Commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council, where mayors and city leaders from Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are collaborating to tackle global challenges with sensible solutions. The United States is proud to support these efforts, recognizing that fostering resilient cities strengthens communities, enhances stability, and helps promote long-term peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Yesterday I had a productive first meeting with Minister of Health and Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa @NalindaJay and discussed U.S. support for child nutrition, health collaboration, and an independent media sector.