A high-level delegation representing the United States Department of the Treasury and the Department of State will visit Sri Lanka, from today till June 29 to explore the possibility of further US assistance to Sri Lanka in the wake of the economic crisis, the US Embassy in Colombo said yesterday.
Members of the delegation include Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Asia, Robert Kaproth and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Ambassador Kelly Keiderling.
The visitors will meet a wide range of political representatives, economists, and international organisations. In their meetings, they will explore the most effective ways for the US to support Sri Lankans in need, Sri Lankans working to resolve the economic crisis, and Sri Lankans planning for a sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.
“This visit underscores our ongoing commitment to the security and prosperity of the Sri Lankan people,” said US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung. “As Sri Lankans endure some of the greatest economic challenges in their history, our efforts to support economic growth and strengthen democratic institutions have never been more critical.”
Over the past two weeks, the US has announced US$ 120 million in new financing for small and medium-sized businesses, a US$ 27 million contribution to the dairy industry and US$ 5.75 million in humanitarian assistance to help those hit hardest by the economic crisis.
The United States also committed US$ 6 million in new grants to provide livelihood assistance to vulnerable populations, and technical assistance on financial reform that will help stabilise the economy.
In the coming months, the US will continue to support Sri Lankans as they revive their economy, combat food insecurity, and promote public health and education. The United States also strongly supports Sri Lanka’s decision to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which can provide the most durable resolution to the present crisis, the Embassy said.