INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Horst, says that if confirmed she will support members of marginalized populations, accountability, truth and reconciliation, and
highlighted three main pillars for enhancing the United States -Sri Lanka relationship: expanding economic cooperation, bolstering security
emphasized her commitment to fundamental United States principles, including respect for human rights and economic freedom.In her opening
statement, Horst underscored the economic cooperation as a priority, with a focus on strengthening trade relations, fostering private
challenges such as the civil war that ended in 2009 and the political and economic crises of 2022
recovery.Security collaboration between the two nations was also emphasized, particularly in addressing transnational crime, enhancing
our shared commitment to a free and open Indo Pacific region, collaborative maritime security, the rules-based international order, and
to deepen people-to-people ties, including with the Sri Lankan American community, and to support marginalized populations, accountability,
truth, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.Acknowledging the importance of the embassy team in Colombo, Horst pledged to lead, develop, and
empower the interagency team and local staff to advance bilateral relations and benefit the American people, if the appointment is
confirmed.The nominee concluded by expressing her interest to work with Congress to strengthen the United States -Sri Lanka relationship.If
the appointment is confirmed, Elizabeth K
Horst will succeed the current United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, in representing the interests of the United States in
the South Asian island nation.
