
United States Supports Sri Lanka With Additional Rs 7.2 Billion
Shakila Ifham
August 10, 2024

The U.S. Embassy today announced an additional commitment of USD 24.5 million (Rs 7.2 billion) from the American people to further strengthen our enduring partnership with Sri Lanka. This new funding was revealed during the visit of Michael Schiffer, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Asia at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), at an event held at the Ministry of Finance. Gabriel Grau, USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director, also attended the ceremony on Friday alongside State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe.
The funds, allocated through a Development Objective Grant Agreement between USAID and the Sri Lankan government, are aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka’s market-driven growth, enhancing environmental sustainability and resilience, and promoting good governance. These collaborative efforts, which involve partnerships across government, non-governmental organizations, and civil society, are already making a positive impact on the lives of Sri Lankans.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung stressed that the continued commitment of the American people to fostering economic growth and good governance in Sri Lanka with this additional funding. She stated: “Since 1956, the United States has invested in the people of Sri Lanka, empowering their entrepreneurial endeavors, strengthening the country’s resilience to climate change and macro-economic challenges, and improving lives across the nation. This additional funding reaffirms our unwavering commitment to working with local partners in Sri Lanka. Together, we are laying the groundwork for lasting stability and prosperity in communities across the country.”
USAID Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Asia, Michael Schiffer, added: “The United States and the American people are proud of our enduring partnership with Sri Lanka and its citizens. This funding is an investment in further supporting the country’s locally driven initiatives to create sustainable solutions to Sri Lanka’s development challenges.”
Since 1956, the United States has provided over USD 2 billion (Rs. 598 billion) in assistance to Sri Lanka, supporting various sectors including agriculture, education, health, environment, water, sanitation, infrastructure, governance, and business development. This aid has also offered humanitarian support to those in need. Over the past seven decades, U.S. assistance has played a crucial role in modernizing Sri Lanka’s diesel coaches, supporting the thriposha supplemental nutrition program, aiding the development of electric vehicle charging stations, and empowering women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth.