On October 10, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake, Jr. met with members of the Tamil diaspora to brief them on his September 12-14 visit to Sri Lanka, to discuss the Tamil community’s concerns, and to suggest that they consider working with the U.S. government to help organize a U.S. business delegation to northern Sri Lanka to explore trade and investment opportunities. In cooperation with the government of Sri Lanka, the delegation would explore investment and small business opportunities as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to create sustainable livelihood development in Northern Sri Lanka. Those diaspora members in the United States or other Americans interested in exploring business opportunities can contact the State Department Sri Lanka desk at (202) 647-4000.
