Steps to expedite development activities powered by USAID grants

USAID Sri Lanka Office Director Reed J. Aeschliman and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Steps have been taken to accelerate the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded development projects in Sri Lanka.

This was discussed at a meeting held between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and USAID Sri Lanka Office Director Reed J. Aeschliman, at the Presidential Secretariat this week.

A number of development activities funded by the USAID have already been launched in the country. Some of these projects remain inactive due to various reasons. Both parties discussed the reasons for the delay and agreed to complete the development work expeditiously.

A massive development process has been strategised in the country as envisioned in the national policy framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’. The President highlighted the need to implement the development activities funded by the USAID in a productive manner to support this.

A special aircraft carrying COVID-19 medical equipment and supplies valued at more than $ 6 million donated by the US arrived in Sri Lanka recently. President Rajapaksa extended his gratitude for the donation and explained about the Government’s program of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Martin Kelly, USAID Program Director Chistopher Foley, Secretary to the President P.B. Jayasundera, Finance Secretary S.R. Attygalle and Finance Ministry External Resources Department Director General Ajith Abeysekera were also present at the meeting.