Obama message to Rajapakse hails “shared values”

by admin
Feb 3, 2009
US President Barack Obama sent his “warmest greetings and wishes” to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse this week on the occasion of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day. The US President hailed the two countries’ “shared beliefs in democracy, liberty, pluralism, and respect for human rights” and suggested “our governments together can work to foster peace, prosperity, and stability throughout Sri Lanka.”
 
The full text of President Obama’s letter follows:
 
Dear Mr. President:
 
As the people of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan origin around the world celebrate National Day on February 4, I send my warmest greetings and wishes to you on behalf of the people of the United States.
 
The United States values its enduring friendship with the people of Sri Lanka. I hope that the coming year will see advancement of our shared beliefs in democracy, liberty, pluralism, and respect for human rights. Our governments together can work to foster peace, prosperity, and stability throughout Sri Lanka.
 
As the people of Sri Lanka celebrate National Day, they should know that they have a friend and partner in the United States.
 
Sincerely,
 
Barack Obama

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