Sept 17, Colombo: The United States government is ready to use its resources to assist and promote U.S. business interests in Sri Lanka and to promote partnerships with the vibrant Sri Lankan private sector, the new U.S. Ambassador to Colombo Michele Sison said.

Addressing a function to mark the 20th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Sri Lanka held Sunday night at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo, the Ambassador said the U.S. continues to focus on global entrepreneurship as a growing element in its foreign economic and development policy.

Ms. Sison assured that the mission at the U.S. Embassy is to ensure that private sector business concerns are fully integrated into the U.S. foreign and economic policy.

The Ambassador commended the work of the AmCham, especially on the initiative to educate magistrates and customs officials on the value of intellectual property rights which has had a major impact on raising awareness at an institutional level.

Noting that counterfeit medicines, software, fake machinery, and substandard products cause physical and economic harm to Sri Lankans every day, the diplomat said the AmCham's new campaign to educate the public on the intellectual property rights is an essential task.

"Strong IPR (intellectual property rights) protection also boosts Sri Lanka’s business climate and investment prospects," Sison said.

The Ambassador noted that providing the youth of today with skills for tomorrow is essential to Sri Lanka's growth and expressed hope that other companies follow AmCham 's lead and give back to the community.

"The US Embassy wants to be at the vanguard of working with U.S. businesses and the AmCham in the promotion of responsible and ethical business practices," the Ambassador said.

Ms. Sison added that as the new Ambassador she is looking forward to working with the organization to develop and promote a holistic approach to Corporate Social Responsibility that complements the mutual goals of building economic security and fostering sustainable development at home and abroad.

Prior to the celebration Ambassador Sison visited the US Trade Show presented by the AmCham member companies. The Ambassador was accompanied by the External Affairs Ministe Prof. G.L. Peiris.