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Foreign assistance: US pledges $ 32 m for crisis-hit communities

31 Jul 2022

  • Offers technical assistance for policy reforms
By Asiri Fernando The US has pledged to provide $ 32 million in new assistance for Sri Lankan communities most affected by the ongoing crisis. The pledge for assistance has been made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a congratulatory letter sent to Foreign Minister Ali Sabry PC, who took over duties of his office last week, Foreign Ministry sources told The Sunday Morning. “I look forward to working with you, President Wickremesinghe, and your Cabinet colleagues through this challenging time in Sri Lanka. The United States and Sri Lanka have a longstanding partnership. It is more critical than ever that we work together to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing economic crisis on the people of Sri Lanka. The United States will provide $ 32 million in new assistance to support Sri Lankan communities most affected by the crisis,” Secretary Blinken has said. Secretary Blinken has also offered to provide technical assistance to Sri Lanka to carry out the policy reforms required for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, which is being negotiated. “We look forward to continuing our joint work on economic issues and issues of good governance, human rights, and national reconciliation,” he has added. Secretary Blinken had also spoken to then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in June, stating that the US was ready to work with Sri Lanka during challenging times. Following his call with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in June, Blinken tweeted: “Good call today with new Sri Lankan Prime Minister @RW_UNP Wickremesinghe. During these economically and politically challenging times, the US stands ready to work with Sri Lanka, in close coordination with the IMF and the international community.”  Foreign Minister Sabry was not reachable for comments on the funding pledge.      


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