US Reiterates Strong Support For Sri Lanka’s Fight Against Terrorism

The United States reiterated its strong support for Sri Lanka in its fight against terrorism when Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana met with the U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo in Washington on Thursday.

On April 24, 2019, three Catholic churches and three high-end hotels in Colombo were blown up leading to the death of 258 people and over 500 wounded.

During the meeting, Secretary Pompeo reiterated the United States’ condemnation of the attacks that Sri Lanka suffered last month, which also killed five Americans, and strong U.S. support for Sri Lanka in its fight against terrorism, the State Department said in a statement.

Foreign Minister Marapana noted appreciation for U.S. support in the aftermath of the bombings and conveyed Sri Lanka’s interest in deepening cooperation to prevent future attacks.Both welcomed the approval of a $480-million Millennium Challenge Corporation compact as an important development that will contribute to prosperity and economic sovereignty in Sri Lanka. Secretary Pompeo also welcomed Sri Lanka’s renewed commitments to accountability, justice, and reconciliation.

Sri Lanka’s Police Media Spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara has said 85 suspects have been arrested in connection to the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks on churches and hotels. 17 safe houses used by the terrorists for lodging and 7 training camps were also discovered by the police.