The Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter, the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera, has welcomed the United States’ decision to reduce tariffs previously imposed on Sri Lanka, saying the move was especially appreciated at a time when the US was imposing higher tariffs on various countries.
He expressed hope that the US Government would grant Sri Lanka further tariff relief in the future.
The Mahanayake made the remarks when new US Ambassador Eric Meyer visited the Malwathu Maha Viharaya and met him on 23 September. Welcoming the Ambassador, he presented Meyer with an English edition of the Dhammapada, saying it contained teachings of the Buddha that could help people build successful lives.
Meyer later visited the Asgiri Maha Viharaya and met the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter, the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera.
The Asgiri Mahanayake said Sri Lanka and the United States had maintained good relations for many years and expressed hope that those ties would grow stronger during Meyer’s tenure.
Meyer said he had visited Kandy as a tourist 25 years ago and would work to strengthen relations between the two countries. He also said Cyclone Ditwah had severely affected Sri Lankans and that the United States had provided as much assistance as it could at the time.
Deputy Registrar of the Asgiri Chapter, the Venerable Muruddeniye Dhammarakkhitha Thera, was also present.
During a recent visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Meyer offered flowers and held a cordial discussion with Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela.
