Washington, DC (BBN)- President Barack Obama has named U.S. ambassadors to Japan, India and Sri Lanka aiming to strengthen partnerships relations with Asia.

President Obama announced the name of technology-focused lawyer John Roos as his ambassador to Japan, and former Democratic congressman Timothy Roemer to be his envoy in India, according to a White House announcement.

The U.S. president also named Patricia Butenis, a career diplomat who has previously been posted in Baghdad, Pakistan and New Delhi, as ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

“I am grateful that these distinguished Americans have agreed to help represent the United States and strengthen our partnerships abroad at this critical time for our nation and the world. I am confident they will advance American diplomacy as we work to meet the challenges of the 21st century. I look forward to working with them in the years and months ahead,” President Obama said in an announcement.

BBN/SS/SI/AD-29May09-3:22 am (BST)