As Sri Lanka moves towards a development era, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Colombo, the development office of the U.S. Embassy, has increased its annual budget to US$ 14.7 million from US$ 9.7 million.
USAID will allocate the same amount of financial assistance to Sri Lanka for social reintegration and equitable economic growth in 2012 as well, according to James F. Bedner, Mission Director USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives. Addressing a press conference in Colombo this week, Mr. Bedner noted that the main objectives of these programmes are to increase private sector investment and enterprise development in lagging provinces and strengthen participatory governance at the local authority level. In addition it will improve delivery of legal services and enhance public engagement in the legal process, he revealed.
He emphasized that USAID’s 55-year partnership with Sri Lanka based on a positive partnership will continue and its unique alliances with the private sector will ensure sustainable development.
Responding to questions from journalists, Mr. Bedner said that USAID is concerned with reconciliation and reinvigorating the country but not with political issues.
He disclosed that the US agency has already forged 10 new business alliances with Sri Lankan private companies under USAID’s Public/Private Alliance (PPA) Programme. These partnerships are expected to create more jobs for youth, jump-start growth, and promote social integration. USAID is working with the government, the private sector and civil society to improve investment conditions and expand private sector opportunities. “Over 90 % of our collaboration has been with Sri Lankan companies,” he said.
Mr. Bedner disclosed that leading companies such as Brandix and Daya Apparel target some 1,600 young men and women for jobs in Eastern Province factories. In partnership with Hayleys Group, USAID has helped link Eastern Province farmers to global markets, moving them from subsistence farming to income-boosting cash crops such as cucumbers, Jalapeno peppers and pineapples. “Our business + programme provides grants and targeted technical and management assistance to small and medium enterprises,” he said.
US assistance to Sri Lanka dates back from a bilateral economic agreement signed on the 28th April 1956 and a total investment of over US$ 2 billion up to now benefiting all Sri Lankans, with initiatives in economic growth, agricultural development, environment and natural resources, health, education and training, democracy and governance, community reconciliation, and humanitarian assistance. |
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