Relations with US authorities and with gentleman -Minister Gamani Jayasuriya

Now I turn briefly to the overall relationship that we had developed with the United States Department of Agriculture and other US governmental and non governmental authorities on the important aspect of ensuring wheat shipments to Sri Lanka, under aid programs.

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During the course of handling my responsibilities as Secretary Food, I had to travel to Washington many times. During these visits I was able to establish valuable personal contacts, in the relevant US departments and agencies. It helps both sides to know whom they are dealing with. If the relationship develops, it usually evolves towards a considerable degree of friendship, understanding and trust.

The foundation and basis is always mutual respect. When you deal with people at high levels of government in other countries, your own designation however impressive it may be is only of limited value, unless it is backed by uptodate and relevant knowledge on your subject area, experience, communication skills, wide interests and the ability to talk about them, and above all, credibility. It is only on these bases that you could establish relationships with able and sophisticated people.

I have had meetings and discussions with relevant persons in the State Department, Agency for International Development (AID), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and above all, with several officials in the Department of Agriculture (USDA.) There was an occasion where I had to go right up to the White House, about which I will write later. During these meetings, it was possible to establish considerable personal rapport, which in turn led to benefits for the country.

We received enhanced allocations of aid to purchase wheat under PL 480. This took pressure off our foreign exchange resources, and assisted the process of ensuring food security. Some of our Ambassadors in Washington during this time such as Ernest Corea and Susantha de Alwis, who served for a fairly long period were consistently helpful. The fact that they were able people who knew a wide circle of important persons, and enjoyed credibility and respect was immensely helpful.