Sri Lanka and the USA today (29 September) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Rule of Law Capacity Building Assistance. The MoU was signed by US Ambassador Atul Keshap and Actg. Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombo.

During the visit of US Secretary of State John Kerry to Sri Lanka in May 2015 Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera sought US Government assistance to provide advanced training to Sri Lankan officials responsible for investigating serious organized crime including financial fraud, bribery and corruption, narcotics trafficking and other complex crimes. The MoU provides for building local capacity in specialized investigative, prosecutorial and adjudication skills, technical support on improving relevant legal regimes, and improving operational effectiveness of government authorities responsible for investigating complex and transnational crimes.

The US Government has allocated US Dollars 2.6 Million under this programme that will help enhance local capacity in fighting serious crimes and enforcing the rule of Law. The MoU is another milestone in the close cooperation between Sri Lanka and USA under the government of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

29th September 2015