 |
| The “footprint”
at the top of 2224m (7295ft) Adam's Peak, Sri
Lanka’s highest mountain, is thought by
Muslims to belong to Adam, by Buddhists to belong
to the Buddha, and by Hindus to Lord Shiva. |
| Photo by James Overly |
Calling Sri Lanka an “island of optimism,”
President Bush says the United States Government
is closely following developments in Sri Lanka.
Citing Sri Lanka’s peace negotiations, Bush
said, “Let me assure you that the United States
wholeheartedly supports Sri Lanka's efforts to transform
violence and bloodshed into peace.”
Bush made his observations when he welcomed Sri Lanka's
new Ambassador to the United States of America, Devinda
R. Subasinghe. Subasinghe 0presented his credentials
February 26.
Bush added, “The United States is increasing
its economic assistance in support of the peace process,
and is encouraging other nations to do the same.”
The President said, “Sri Lanka has enormous economic
potential, which has been impeded by war. Now, with
peace on the horizon, with bold economic reforms being
put in place, and with a literate society and an educated
workforce, Sri Lanka stands on the threshold of prosperity.”
An investment banker by profession, Ambassador Subasinghe
was vice president of the Florida-based Ramond James
Financial Inc. He holds an MA in International Economics
from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International
Studies at the Johns Hopkins University, and has previously
served with the World Bank Group including the International
Finance Corporation. |
