Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, Elizabeth M. Allen, is to arrive Sri Lanka on a diplomatic mission. The trip is a testament to the United States’ steadfast commitment to strengthening partnerships and alliances globally. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Liz Allen is on travel to Jordan, Sri Lanka, and India from February 12-22.
Arriving in Colombo after her engagements in Jordan, Under Secretary Allen aims to reaffirm U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and advocate for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The visit focuses on key pillars of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing freedom of expression, economic empowerment, and global collaboration.
In Colombo, Under Secretary Allen is set to engage in a series of dialogues on freedom of expression and democratic values with various stakeholders. This inclusive approach involves discussions with journalists, civil society members, government officials, and participants from the Embassy’s Youth Forum.
One of the highlights of her agenda is her interactions with the Sri Lanka Press Institute SLPI, where the emphasis will be on preserving diverse voices for a stable and inclusive Sri Lanka. Recognizing the role of the media in shaping public discourse, Under Secretary Allen seeks to underscore the importance of fostering an environment that supports a variety of perspectives.
Moreover, her meetings with U.S. public diplomacy program alumni and local content creators are designed to highlight the critical role these individuals play in promoting cultural understanding and facilitating people-to-people connections. The discussions aim to explore avenues for collaboration and mutual learning.
Under Secretary Allen is also scheduled to meet with representatives from Sri Lanka’s multifaith community to underscore the significance of societal inclusivity. Recognizing the diversity of Sri Lanka’s religious landscape, these engagements will emphasize the importance of fostering harmonious coexistence and mutual respect among different faith communities. (LankaXpress.com )
