( US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Thomas Shannon)
The Foreign Ministry says that the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Thomas Shannon, will arrive in the country on Monday, on a two-day official visit.
The Government Information Department said that he will be accompanied by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for South Asia Manpreet Singh Anand.
During his stay, Ambassador Shannon will meet with senior government and parliament leaders, business leaders, and civil society, as well as tour a USAID-funded livelihoods project in the Eastern Province.
The US Embassy in Colombo said that during his visit, Ambassador Shannon will reaffirm U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s reform agenda and explore greater cooperation in development, security, economic growth, and regional connectivity.
Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. was appointed Counsellor of the Department by Secretary Kerry on December 24, 2013.
Ambassador Shannon had served briefly as Senior Advisor to the Secretary following his return in September from Brazil, where he served as United States Ambassador for nearly four years.
Ambassador Shannon is the seventh Foreign Service Officer to hold the position of Counsellor since World War II, and the first in 32 years.
NF