By: Staff Writer
October 14, Colombo (LNW): The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has expressed its readiness to assist Sri Lanka in any necessary way, highlighting a mutual commitment to advancing development and collaboration.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently held a virtual meeting with USAID Administrator Samantha Power to discuss future cooperation, as reported by the President’s Media Division.
This meeting marked the first interaction between President Dissanayake and Administrator Power following the presidential elections on September 21.
During the discussion, both leaders exchanged views on topics of shared interest and explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Power reiterated USAID’s support for the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to align with the President’s policy framework, which emphasizes strong anti-corruption measures, President’s Media Division disclosed.
The USAID has consistently provided financial aid to Sri Lanka, especially following the country’s economic crisis and debt default in 2022. Recently, the U.S. Embassy announced an additional $24.5 million (Rs 7.2 billion) commitment to support Sri Lanka’s development goals.
The additional funding was announced during a visit to Sri Lanka by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer at an event at the Ministry of Finance in August this year.
The funds, committed through a Development Objective Grant Agreement between USAID and the government of Sri Lanka, will strengthen Sri Lanka’s market-driven growth, foster environmental sustainability and resilience, and promote good governance practices.
As a result of USAID partnerships across government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society, the funds support collaborative efforts that are making a positive difference in the lives of Sri Lankans.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, emphasized America’s long-standing investment in the nation’s economic progress and governance, stating that this funding strengthens the partnership with Sri Lanka to build a foundation for lasting stability and prosperity.
Since 1956, the U.S. has provided more than $2 billion in aid to Sri Lanka, contributing to various sectors including agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and women’s entrepreneurship.
This ongoing support from USAID has played a significant role in modernizing Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, supporting nutrition and health programs, developing sustainable energy solutions, and empowering women entrepreneurs to contribute to economic growth.
This additional funding demonstrates our steadfast commitment to working with local partners in Sri Lanka. Together, we are building a foundation for lasting stability and prosperity for communities across the country.”
Over the last seven decades, U.S. support has helped modernize Sri Lanka’s diesel coaches, supported its thriposha supplemental nutrition program, supportedthe development of electric vehicle charging stations and empowered women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.
