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“TRIBUTE TO JAMES LEADER” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2337 on Nov. 6, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO JAMES LEADER
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HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
of maryland
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to James Leader, a dedicated Foreign Service Officer who has done so much to promote and strengthen relations between the United States and the Republic of Sri Lanka. He has been an example of the best of our Foreign Service--passionate, knowledgeable, and effective.
Jim served at the American Embassy in Colombo from 1970-72 and as a Desk Officer for Sri Lanka in the Department of State from 1973-77. He maintained contact with many Sri Lankans and Americans interested in Sri Lankan affairs and recognized the need to form an organization to nurture and build on those relationships. To meet that need, in 1994, Jim teamed up with Gil Shinbaum to launch the auspiciously-named Serendipity Group.
The Serendipity Group is an organization of former American Ambassadors and officials who lived in Sri Lanka and retain a strong interest in Sri Lankan affairs. My father, who served as an Ambassador to Sri Lanka between 1973-76, and my mother were part of this group, and I witnessed the commitment, shared by all its members, to building stronger ties between the United States and Sri Lanka.
Jim and his wife, Carillon, invited Group members to their home for informal discussions and activities. He recruited speakers to Serendipity Group forums and fostered conversation between Sri Lankan Ambassadors to the United States, U.S. Ambassadors to Colombo, scholars, writers, and others who shared his passion for Sri Lankan-
American interests.
In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Jim deserves recognition for his philanthropic work. In 2004, when Sri Lanka was devastated by the tsunami, he mobilized resources for a significant relief donation.
In all, James Leader's initiative in founding the Serendipity Group, and his inspired leadership, have made an important contribution to the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Sri Lanka. As he steps down as leader of the Group, I congratulate him on his years of service, both in public and private life, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
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