United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome Ambassador Cindy McCain will visit Sri Lanka from September 25-28 to highlight U.S. food assistance programs in Sri Lanka and reinforce the U.S. commitment and lasting partnership with the island nation.
The US embassy in Colombo said that in addition to meeting with senior government officials and aid organizations in Colombo, Ambassador McCain will join U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung to travel to Central Province to visit schools, agricultural research facilities, and community organizations and meet with recipients and implementers of relief provided through U.S. government-funded humanitarian assistance programs.
The United States is the single largest country donor to the three United Nations food and agriculture agencies, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Program (WFP).
U.S.-funded UN projects showcase how the U.S. government, the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies, and the government of Sri Lanka collaborate to reduce food insecurity and advance humanitarian relief, livelihood protection, and agriculture-led economic growth, especially at this critical time of increased global hunger.
The United States has provided partnership and assistance to the people and government of Sri Lanka for more than 70 years.
Since June, Ambassador Chung has overseen the announcement of nearly $240 million in new U.S. government assistance to Sri Lanka, including U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power’s September 2022 announcements of an additional $40 million to provide Sri Lankan farmers with fertilizer and $20 million to meet immediate humanitarian needs in the country.
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USAID extends additional US$40 Mn in development assistance
USAID Administrator Samantha Power has announced an additional US$40 million in development assistance to help farmers purchase fertilizer and other vital agricultural inputs.
“Subject to Congressional approval, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will invest this money to provide farmers with fertilizer and other vital agricultural inputs,” USAID said in a statement.
“This critical support, implemented through the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, comes just in time for maximum benefit to the upcoming “Maha” planting season and will benefit up to one million farmers in need of fertilizer across Sri Lanka, which includes 53,000 farmers in need of emergency monetary assistance.
USAID stands with the Sri Lanka’s people and is committed to providing this urgent support. The US Government will continue to explore ways to assist the country in meeting their immediate, medium, and long-term needs, and will continue ongoing efforts that boost sustainable economic growth, promote inclusivity, strengthen governance, and foster a free and prosperous Sri Lanka,” the statement added.
“Subject to Congressional approval, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will invest this money to provide farmers with fertilizer and other vital agricultural inputs,” USAID said in a statement.
“This critical support, implemented through the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, comes just in time for maximum benefit to the upcoming “Maha” planting season and will benefit up to one million farmers in need of fertilizer across Sri Lanka, which includes 53,000 farmers in need of emergency monetary assistance.
USAID stands with the Sri Lanka’s people and is committed to providing this urgent support. The US Government will continue to explore ways to assist the country in meeting their immediate, medium, and long-term needs, and will continue ongoing efforts that boost sustainable economic growth, promote inclusivity, strengthen governance, and foster a free and prosperous Sri Lanka,” the statement added.
USAID to provide US$ 20 Mn as humanitarian aid
USAID Administrator Samantha Power said USAID will provide additional US$20 million as humanitarian aid in addition to US$40 million which will be given to procure fertilizer to assist one million farmers.
The total amount pledged by her, comes up to US$ 60 million.
Ms. Power said political reforms and economic reform should go hand in hand.
“Sri Lanka should ensure stable borrowing and stable balance of trade,” she added. (Yohan Perera)
For more information go to:http://www.dailymirror.lk
The total amount pledged by her, comes up to US$ 60 million.
Ms. Power said political reforms and economic reform should go hand in hand.
“Sri Lanka should ensure stable borrowing and stable balance of trade,” she added. (Yohan Perera)
For more information go to:http://www.dailymirror.lk
SLF Int USA, WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE THIS INVITATION FOR A VIRTUAL TOWN HALL WITH AMBASSADOR JULIE CHUNG AND ANJALI KAUR, DEPUTY ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR, USAID
Please join United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung in her second town hall with the Sri Lankan-American Community. Ambassador Chung will provide updates on the status of U.S.-Sri Lankan relations, U.S.-led relief efforts, and her perspectives on the ongoing crisis and ways forward. Ambassador Chung will be joined by Deputy Assistant Administrator for the USAID Asia Bureau Anjali Kaur, who will share USAID’s humanitarian assistance plans with the community. The town hall will also feature a question and answer session; participants are encouraged to submit questions and areas of concern they would like addressed in advance and during the event via chat.
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022
Time: 7.30am PST, 10.30am EST
Pre-Register, Submit Questions, and View the Virtual Event
Here:https://interactive.state.gov/sri-lanka/
Ambassador Julie Chung arrived in Colombo as the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka in February 2022. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, Ms. Chung has served in senior positions throughout the Indo-Pacific and Western Hemisphere. Ms.Chung served as the Acting Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. She also has extensive experience in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, including as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Japan, Deputy Chief of Mission in Cambodia, and Economic Counselor in Thailand. In addition, she has served at the U.S. embassies in Iraq, Colombia, Vietnam, and Japan and the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China. She also served as an advisor on nonproliferation discussions of the Agreed Framework with North Korea while working in the Office of Korean Affairs in Washington.
Anjali Kaur is an international development professional with comprehensive experience at the field, country, and global levels with evidence-based, integrated global health programs. Before joining USAID, Ms. Kaur was the Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, leading the worldwide policy and advocacy strategies for the HIV and TB programs. Before that, she was the Senior Director of Asia Pacific for Malaria No More. She established the India Office and expanded the organization’s work across the region, engaging with governments, the private sector, civil society, and the media. Ms. Kaur was also with UNICEF Polio Programme, where she worked at the country and HQ levels and the World Bank and UNFPA. She is a Fulbright Scholar and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University.
Key areas of the virtual town hall
*Status of U.S.-Sri Lankan relations
*U.S.-led relief efforts
*Perspectives on the ongoing crisis and ways forward
*USAID’s humanitarian assistance plans with the community
This event is open to the public and all are welcome. Please feel free to share the above link and the attached flyer with your networks.
For more information contact:
Keshini Wijegoonaratna- 213-400-7705 or
keshini@srilankafoundation.org
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022
Time: 7.30am PST, 10.30am EST
Pre-Register, Submit Questions, and View the Virtual Event
Here:https://interactive.state.gov/sri-lanka/
Ambassador Julie Chung arrived in Colombo as the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka in February 2022. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, Ms. Chung has served in senior positions throughout the Indo-Pacific and Western Hemisphere. Ms.Chung served as the Acting Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. She also has extensive experience in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, including as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Japan, Deputy Chief of Mission in Cambodia, and Economic Counselor in Thailand. In addition, she has served at the U.S. embassies in Iraq, Colombia, Vietnam, and Japan and the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou, China. She also served as an advisor on nonproliferation discussions of the Agreed Framework with North Korea while working in the Office of Korean Affairs in Washington.
Anjali Kaur is an international development professional with comprehensive experience at the field, country, and global levels with evidence-based, integrated global health programs. Before joining USAID, Ms. Kaur was the Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, leading the worldwide policy and advocacy strategies for the HIV and TB programs. Before that, she was the Senior Director of Asia Pacific for Malaria No More. She established the India Office and expanded the organization’s work across the region, engaging with governments, the private sector, civil society, and the media. Ms. Kaur was also with UNICEF Polio Programme, where she worked at the country and HQ levels and the World Bank and UNFPA. She is a Fulbright Scholar and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University.
Key areas of the virtual town hall
*Status of U.S.-Sri Lankan relations
*U.S.-led relief efforts
*Perspectives on the ongoing crisis and ways forward
*USAID’s humanitarian assistance plans with the community
This event is open to the public and all are welcome. Please feel free to share the above link and the attached flyer with your networks.
For more information contact:
Keshini Wijegoonaratna- 213-400-7705 or
keshini@srilankafoundation.org
First converted electric Trishaw launched
The launching event of the electric three-wheelers converted by David Peris Motor Company was held this morning, and the MoU was signed with USAID in the presence of the US Envoy to Sri Lanka. Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera was present at the event and said, it was great to see much needed energy sector transformations taking place and hold the key for the future.
Rep. Titus Urges U.S. Support for Sri Lanka
Washington, DC – Today Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, led nine of her colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of State Blinken and USAID Administrator Power urging them to take swift action to provide meaningful support to the Sri Lankan people in the face of widespread food, fuel, and medicine shortages. They also called on the Administration to continue to support the Sri Lankan government and people as they work to implement democratic and economic reforms. These reforms include advancing efforts to address longstanding issues related to accountability and reconciliation and to meet broader U.S. foreign policy goals for the region.
“We remain deeply concerned by the unprecedented and disastrous economic crisis currently facing Sri Lanka,” the Members wrote. “Although we greatly appreciate the $11.75 million in new humanitarian and development assistance that USAID provided at the end of June, more is clearly needed now. We urge USAID to take immediate action to provide additional relief to the Sri Lankan people, including increased food, medical, and fuel aid.”
According to the World Food Programme, due to widespread economic issues, three in ten households, or approximately 6.26 million Sri Lankans, are unsure where they will get their next meal. An estimated 60 percent of Sri Lankans are skipping meals to stretch food supplies and hundreds of thousands are being forced to wait in extensive lines to acquire daily necessities. If the current economic situation does not improve soon, some experts warn that the number of those suffering from dangerous food insecurity could rise to 22 million, or one-third of the country’s population.
In addition to Rep. Titus this letter was signed by nine other Members of Congress, including Representatives Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), David E. Price (D-NC), Jim Costa (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), and James P. McGovern (D-MA).
Read today’s full letter
letter_to_blinken_and_power_on_sri_lankan_economic_crisis-final
“We remain deeply concerned by the unprecedented and disastrous economic crisis currently facing Sri Lanka,” the Members wrote. “Although we greatly appreciate the $11.75 million in new humanitarian and development assistance that USAID provided at the end of June, more is clearly needed now. We urge USAID to take immediate action to provide additional relief to the Sri Lankan people, including increased food, medical, and fuel aid.”
According to the World Food Programme, due to widespread economic issues, three in ten households, or approximately 6.26 million Sri Lankans, are unsure where they will get their next meal. An estimated 60 percent of Sri Lankans are skipping meals to stretch food supplies and hundreds of thousands are being forced to wait in extensive lines to acquire daily necessities. If the current economic situation does not improve soon, some experts warn that the number of those suffering from dangerous food insecurity could rise to 22 million, or one-third of the country’s population.
In addition to Rep. Titus this letter was signed by nine other Members of Congress, including Representatives Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (D-GA), Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Gwen Moore (D-WI), David E. Price (D-NC), Jim Costa (D-CA), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), and James P. McGovern (D-MA).
Read today’s full letter
letter_to_blinken_and_power_on_sri_lankan_economic_crisis-final
US delegation requests Intl. Banks to provide assistance to procure medicines, essentials
The visiting high-level US diplomatic delegation has assured that they will support by requesting international banks to assist Sri Lanka when issuing Letters of Credit (LC) to obtain medicines and essential commodities, President’s Media Unit said.
They have also assured that the US Government will continue its support to strengthen the relationship with the International Monetary Fund at all levels.
The meeting between the US State Department and the Treasury delegation and the President held at the President’s House, Colombo, today (27).
President Rajapaksa commended the delegation for their visit to Sri Lanka and briefed them on the current economic and social crisis in the country.
The President also briefed about the progress of the ongoing discussions with the IMF. Kelly Keiderling, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, US Department State and Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Asia.
The US Department of Treasury further stated that US President Joe Biden is interested in the future of Sri Lanka.
The US President has also instructed to support Sri Lanka during this difficult time and to extend all possible assistance to the country.
The delegation expressed confidence with the implementation of the programme with the IMF will provide relief to the vulnerable families and will continue to have a positive impact on the future.
They said they were pleased with the similarities between the President’s understanding and their understanding of the economic reform process taking place in the country.
The delegation commended the President on the free space given to anyone to express their opinions without any hindrance to the right to freedom of expression.
The US government has provided US$100 million as medium term assistance to Commercial Bank to promote and uplift small scale businesses and also US$ 5.75 and another US$ 6 million financial assistance as humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka.
The delegation recalled about the other US supported projects such as polyester fiber and yarn processing project which are manufactured with disposable plastic materials.
Matthew Mohlenkamp, Treasury Office Director for South and Southeast Asia, John McDaniel, State SCA/NSB Economic Unit Chief, Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, US Embassy, Geoff Chanin, Acting Political Chief, US Embassy, Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath, Chief Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Chief of Staff to the President Anura Dissanayake were also present at this discussion.
They have also assured that the US Government will continue its support to strengthen the relationship with the International Monetary Fund at all levels.
The meeting between the US State Department and the Treasury delegation and the President held at the President’s House, Colombo, today (27).
President Rajapaksa commended the delegation for their visit to Sri Lanka and briefed them on the current economic and social crisis in the country.
The President also briefed about the progress of the ongoing discussions with the IMF. Kelly Keiderling, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, US Department State and Robert Kaproth, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Asia.
The US Department of Treasury further stated that US President Joe Biden is interested in the future of Sri Lanka.
The US President has also instructed to support Sri Lanka during this difficult time and to extend all possible assistance to the country.
The delegation expressed confidence with the implementation of the programme with the IMF will provide relief to the vulnerable families and will continue to have a positive impact on the future.
They said they were pleased with the similarities between the President’s understanding and their understanding of the economic reform process taking place in the country.
The delegation commended the President on the free space given to anyone to express their opinions without any hindrance to the right to freedom of expression.
The US government has provided US$100 million as medium term assistance to Commercial Bank to promote and uplift small scale businesses and also US$ 5.75 and another US$ 6 million financial assistance as humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka.
The delegation recalled about the other US supported projects such as polyester fiber and yarn processing project which are manufactured with disposable plastic materials.
Matthew Mohlenkamp, Treasury Office Director for South and Southeast Asia, John McDaniel, State SCA/NSB Economic Unit Chief, Julie Chung, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, US Embassy, Geoff Chanin, Acting Political Chief, US Embassy, Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath, Chief Adviser to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Chief of Staff to the President Anura Dissanayake were also present at this discussion.
High-Level US delegation to visit Sri Lanka tomorrow
A high-level delegation representing the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of State will visit Sri Lanka from June 26- 29, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo announced today.
Members of the delegation include Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Asia Robert Kaproth and Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, who is also the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.
The visitors will meet with a wide range of political representatives, economists, and international organizations, the embassy said in a statement.
In all their meetings, they will explore the most effective ways for the U.S. to support Sri Lankans in need, Sri Lankans working to resolve the current economic crisis, and Sri Lankans planning for a sustainable and inclusive economy for the future, the U.S. Embassy said further in its statement.
“This visit underscores our ongoing commitment to the security and prosperity of the Sri Lankan people,” said U.S. 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 U.S. has announced $120 million in new financing for Sri Lankan small and medium-sized businesses, a $27 million contribution to Sri Lanka’s dairy industry and $5.75 million in humanitarian assistance to help those hit hardest by the economic crisis.
The United States also committed $6 million in new grants to provide livelihood assistance to vulnerable populations, and technical assistance on financial reform that will help stabilize the economy.
In the coming months, the U.S. 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, which can provide the most durable resolution to the present crisis, the statement added.
Members of the delegation include Deputy Assistant Secretary of Treasury for Asia Robert Kaproth and Ambassador Kelly Keiderling, who is also the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia.
The visitors will meet with a wide range of political representatives, economists, and international organizations, the embassy said in a statement.
In all their meetings, they will explore the most effective ways for the U.S. to support Sri Lankans in need, Sri Lankans working to resolve the current economic crisis, and Sri Lankans planning for a sustainable and inclusive economy for the future, the U.S. Embassy said further in its statement.
“This visit underscores our ongoing commitment to the security and prosperity of the Sri Lankan people,” said U.S. 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 U.S. has announced $120 million in new financing for Sri Lankan small and medium-sized businesses, a $27 million contribution to Sri Lanka’s dairy industry and $5.75 million in humanitarian assistance to help those hit hardest by the economic crisis.
The United States also committed $6 million in new grants to provide livelihood assistance to vulnerable populations, and technical assistance on financial reform that will help stabilize the economy.
In the coming months, the U.S. 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, which can provide the most durable resolution to the present crisis, the statement added.
Prof. Rangita De Silva De Alwis elected as SL representative for CEDAW
Professor Rangita De Silva De Alwis was elected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) for the term 2023-2026 representing Sri Lanka.
Prof. De Silva-De Alwis was elected during the 22nd Meeting of the State Parties to the CEDAW Convention at the United Nations in New York on 23rd June.
At this election, State Parties to the Convention elected 12 members out of 23 candidates, to the Committee of the Convention. Sri Lanka obtained 124 votes obtaining the 5th highest number of votes. Other countries elected are Cuba, Uganda, Nigeria, Egypt, Israel, Spain, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Trinidad and Tobago and Japan.
Sri Lanka became a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1981.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention, which consists of 23 experts on women’s rights from around the globe.
Professor Rangita De Silva De Alwis is currently serving as the Associate Dean of International Affairs and the Academic Director of the Global Institute for Human Rights at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, in the USA. She earned her Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Colombo and her LL.M and Ph.D from Harvard Law School.
She is an expert on matters coming under the purview of the CEDAW, with over 25 years of experience globally, advocating for equal representation of women.
For more information:
Go to:
Prof. De Silva-De Alwis was elected during the 22nd Meeting of the State Parties to the CEDAW Convention at the United Nations in New York on 23rd June.
At this election, State Parties to the Convention elected 12 members out of 23 candidates, to the Committee of the Convention. Sri Lanka obtained 124 votes obtaining the 5th highest number of votes. Other countries elected are Cuba, Uganda, Nigeria, Egypt, Israel, Spain, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Trinidad and Tobago and Japan.
Sri Lanka became a State Party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1981.
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention, which consists of 23 experts on women’s rights from around the globe.
Professor Rangita De Silva De Alwis is currently serving as the Associate Dean of International Affairs and the Academic Director of the Global Institute for Human Rights at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, in the USA. She earned her Bachelor of Law Degree from the University of Colombo and her LL.M and Ph.D from Harvard Law School.
She is an expert on matters coming under the purview of the CEDAW, with over 25 years of experience globally, advocating for equal representation of women.
For more information:
Go to:
Vote Sri Lankan for Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Office #118 Primary Election on June 7, 2022
Candidate for Los Angeles County Superior Court Seat 118
On June 7th, 2022, Vote for Deputy County Counsel for L.A. Superior Court Judge.”
Mr. Thever has had a long history of service. He has served with distinction at local state and Federal levels in a wide range of positions.
He is particularly passionate about serving the residents of Los Angeles City and County. He has served as Los Angeles Mayors’ appointee to Municipal Improvement Corporation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Airport Advisory Committee, and the Los Angeles Local Development Bank.
“Shan has been and continues to be a pioneer in the proactive involvement for the improvement of the practice of law, minority business development, and the furtherance of social causes.” – Congresswoman Hon. Linda T. Sanchez. Congressional Records.
Endorsements
“I am proud to endorse Shan Thever, for JUDGE of Superior Court Office #118. Shan Thever has the experience, temperament and skill needed in our Los Angeles courtrooms. On June 7th, 2022, Vote for Deputy County Counsel for L.A. Superior Court Judge.”
By Hon. Don Knabe, Former Supervisor of Los Angeles County.
Hon. Yvonne Burke, Former Supervisor of Los Angeles County.
Hon. Autumn Burke, Former California Assembly Member
Hon. Phillip Chan, California Assembly Member
For more information go to:
http://www.shantheverforjudge.com
On June 7th, 2022, Vote for Deputy County Counsel for L.A. Superior Court Judge.”
Mr. Thever has had a long history of service. He has served with distinction at local state and Federal levels in a wide range of positions.
He is particularly passionate about serving the residents of Los Angeles City and County. He has served as Los Angeles Mayors’ appointee to Municipal Improvement Corporation of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Airport Advisory Committee, and the Los Angeles Local Development Bank.
“Shan has been and continues to be a pioneer in the proactive involvement for the improvement of the practice of law, minority business development, and the furtherance of social causes.” – Congresswoman Hon. Linda T. Sanchez. Congressional Records.
Endorsements
“I am proud to endorse Shan Thever, for JUDGE of Superior Court Office #118. Shan Thever has the experience, temperament and skill needed in our Los Angeles courtrooms. On June 7th, 2022, Vote for Deputy County Counsel for L.A. Superior Court Judge.”
By Hon. Don Knabe, Former Supervisor of Los Angeles County.
Hon. Yvonne Burke, Former Supervisor of Los Angeles County.
Hon. Autumn Burke, Former California Assembly Member
Hon. Phillip Chan, California Assembly Member
For more information go to:
http://www.shantheverforjudge.com
