The below is attributable to Acting Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power arrived in Sri Lanka to begin her visit where she met with Sri Lankans dealing with the impacts of the current complex emergency, private sector leaders, civil society organizations, and government officials. The Administrator emphasized the United States’ commitment to supporting the Sri Lankan people during this difficult time and partnering with them to build long term economic stability and prosperity.
The Administrator traveled to Ja-Ela, a town outside Colombo, and visited rice paddy fields where she sat down with farmers to hear about their experiences coping with fertilizer shortages, inflation, and decreased wages. They spoke about how the lack of fertilizer was affecting their harvest and the impact it was having on their families. The Administrator then held a press conference and announced $40 million in new USAID development assistance, subject to Congressional approval, to provide fertilizer to approximately one million Sri Lankan farmers.
The Administrator then attended a working dinner with private sector representatives from Sri Lanka’s finance, technology, pharmaceutical, and renewable energy sectors to discuss the country’s path to economic revival and the critical role of public-private partnerships.