The United States has committed to providing vital assistance to bolster Sri Lanka’s economy. During a meeting held today (Oct 8) at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Julie J. Chung, the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, announced that the support would focus on fostering an export-driven economy, according to a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Ambassador Chung also conveyed congratulations from US President Joe Biden to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, relayed through Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
The PMD statement further noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are prepared to provide financial assistance to enhance Sri Lanka’s economic outlook.
In addition to financial support, the US has pledged both financial and technical assistance for President Dissanayake’s initiatives aimed at combating fraud and corruption. The United States also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting good governance and ensuring Sri Lanka’s security as needed.
The US has expressed support for the new president’s efforts to develop renewable energy, promote an export-oriented agricultural sector, and alleviate rural poverty. Ambassador Chung also highlighted plans to expand the current lunch program for rural schools to include urban schools in the future.
The meeting was attended by the USAID Deputy Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives and economic expert Christopher Gooch.
Posting on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Chung emphasized that the US-Sri Lanka partnership, from improving crop yields to enhancing maritime security, is driven by shared goals of improving lives, fostering economic growth, and ensuring regional stability.
