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Sri Lanka
EXAMPLES OF OUR IMPACT
- USAID partnered with the private sector to train 600 workers for new apparel jobs that pay three times the average monthly income.
- USAID built and repaired seven schools damaged by the conflict, accommodating thousands of students.
- More than 25 percent of the youth trained in a USAID workforce readiness program have obtained jobs or internships.
USAID/SRI LANKA SITE
srilanka.usaid.gov
CONTACTS
Mission Director
Rebecca Cohn
USAID/Colombo
Department of State
Washington, DC 20521-6100
Tel: 94-11-249-8000
Sri Lanka Desk Officer
Zdenek Suda
Tel: (202) 712-1115
Email: zsuda@usaid.gov
The municipal market in Batticaloa is thriving today, thanks to a new building, attractive vendor stalls, and improved sanitation facilities provided by USAID funding. Located in the heart of the formerly conflict-affected city, the market’s success attests to the area’s gradual economic stabilization. (Photo: USAID) Overview
USAID has invested more than $1.9 billion in Sri Lanka since 1956. In 2008, the $134.5 million tsunami reconstruction program was completed successfully, and the rehabilitated infrastructure was handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka.
The conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in May 2009, after more than two decades of fighting. The long-running conflict prevented Sri Lanka from reaching its potential, and it is expected that the end of the conflict will lead to a prosperous and stable democracy. U.S. Government assistance supports both economic and humanitarian needs in Sri Lanka. One of the highest priorities is to assist the more than 280,000 people displaced during the conflict to return safely to their homes.
USAID is committed to supporting stabilization and development efforts in Sri Lanka. Current programs focus on the Eastern Province and adjoining areas, and USAID plans to extend assistance to the North by helping conflict-affected communities return to normalcy as quickly as possible. USAID programs help members of all ethnic groups rebuild their local communities. The newly liberated areas of the North and the former conflict areas of the East present great opportunities for economic growth.
Programs
Economic Growth
USAID believes that the private sector is the engine for economic growth in Sri Lanka. Building on a successful track record of work with the private sector, USAID’s economic growth programs are helping to create public-private partnerships, which will foster stability, create sustainable jobs, and jump-start much-needed economic development, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
USAID leveraged more than $10 million from the private sector in 2009. As an example, USAID successfully partnered with the largest apparel manufacturer in Sri Lanka to establish a factory in an area formerly under LTTE control. This factory is training and providing jobs to 600 workers from the three main ethnic communities – Tamil, Muslim, and Sinhalese. As a result of this pilot effort, other private sector businesses are showing greater interest in this region.
USAID is strengthening market linkages between producers in eastern Sri Lanka and national markets in Colombo. In addition, more than 2,500 youth received training for high-skilled jobs in areas such as information technology, small engine and automotive repair, carpentry, electronics, and the apparel sector.
Democracy and Governance
USAID supports the establishment of a stable post-conflict society throughout Sri Lanka by increasing citizens’ engagement with regional and local governments, fostering inter-community reconciliation, and promoting social equity. USAID provides technical training and support to local government institutions, civil society organizations, community reconciliation groups, and professional journalists. In 2009, USAID is training 17 young professional journalists in a program designed to improve access to information by local citizens. In eastern Sri Lanka, USAID is bringing together religious leaders, community leaders, and members of multi-ethnic associations to develop creative solutions to reduce ethnic tensions. USAID’s assistance helped to develop a national database to track human rights violations in Sri Lanka.
Post-Conflict Stabilization
USAID programs in eastern Sri Lanka are helping to create training and employment opportunities for at-risk youth, including former combatants. The program addresses core conflict issues through support for small-scale infrastructure, vocational training, the return of displaced persons, and community policing. This year, USAID rehabilitated seven schools and one hospital damaged during the conflict.
Humanitarian Assistance
USAID provides humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka through both food and non-food aid. In 2009, USAID funds assisted more than 280,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) by providing water and sanitation facilities, temporary shelters, emergency medical treatment, and mobility aids for the disabled. Emergency assistance provided food to more than 50 percent of the IDPs in the former conflict areas, including food rations for six-months after the IDPs return to their homes. A USAID program has reunited nearly 900 children with their families after separation due to violence and poverty, while another is providing psychosocial counseling, medical assistance, and family support to victims of trauma and violence.
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