November 23, 2015
Ambassador Power met with Sri Lankan Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan on November 23, 2015, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Ambassador Power congratulated Mr. Sampanthan on his historic appointment as opposition leader and praised his engagement with the Sirisena administration to address long-standing aspirations of Tamil communities, including demilitarization of the north and east, resettlement of the displaced, implementation of the 13th Amendment, investigating the cases of disappeared persons and assisting their families, and accountability for past crimes.
Ambassador Power briefed Leader Sampanthan on her visit to Jaffna, including her meetings with Governor Palihakkara and Chief Minister Wigneswaran, whom she urged to work constructively with the national unity government to improve the lives of northerners. Ambassador Power also stressed that the United States stands as a partner for the Sri Lankan people as they pursue a unified, peaceful government that protects all citizens and draws strength from its diversity.
