Members of the Asia Society in New York commended Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s courage, honesty, integrity and determination that was evident in initiating and carrying out the peace process to put an end to the north-east conflict and arrive at a political solution, a press release from the Prime Minister’s office said.

The release further stated:

"They expressed their views at the question and answers session that followed the prime minister’s special address to the Asia Society in New York.

The conference hall of the society was full to capacity with an audience that consisted of members of the Asia Society, Sri Lankan community in New York as well as other professionals.

Everybody commended the openness and honesty with which Wickremesinghe conducted his lecture and answered questions posed to him by the audience.

Questions regarding the current situation of the Sri Lankan economy, changes envisaged for the economic sector and future action plan for the peace process were put to the prime minister.

At the end of his address the prime minister received a standing ovation from the audience."