Envoy nominee hearings show US, Sri Lanka on same wavelength on shared interests View(s):By Kapila BandaraSri Lanka has expressed interest in working closer with the United States, a veteran career diplomat nominated as the next ambassador to Colombo told Senate hearings, while promising he will protect US strategic interests. The Senate exchanges reflect Sri Lanka’s importance to big powers whose geo-strategic interests converge and even collide in the Indo-Pacific. Foreign Relations Chairman James E. Risch, Ranking Member, recognised Sri Lanka’s progress on economic reforms and noted that “if Sri Lanka continues down this path the country will be well positioned for US private sector investment and diplomatic relations’’. Yet, he expressed concern over China’s influence over Sri Lanka’s critical infrastructure, military and energy sectors. “I understand Sri Lanka is learning their lesson.

Source: Sunday Times January 04, 2026 07:01 UTC