US strengthens partnership with Sri Lanka through Additional Rs 7.2 billion development agreement

An additional commitment of US $24.5 million (Rs 7.2 billion) from the American people to further long-standing investment in the people of Sri Lanka was announced during a visit to Sri Lanka by a senior official of U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) today, US embassy in Colombo said. 

USAID's Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer announced the additional financial commitment at an event at the Ministry of Finance. USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director Gabriel Grau also participated in Friday’s ceremony alongside State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe. 

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, a statement from the embassy said.

"As a result of our 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 underscored the continued commitment of the American people to investing in economic growth and good governance with this additional funding: “Since 1956, the United States has invested in Sri Lanka’s people, empowering them in their entrepreneurial pursuits, strengthening Sri Lanka’s resilience to climate change and macro-economic shocks, and enriching lives across the country. 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.”