Flags of the U.S. and Sri Lanka

USAID/Sri Lanka: Program Overview

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the American government provides bilateral assistance to Sri Lanka. In over 50 years of partnership with Sri Lanka, the U.S. Government has contributed more than $2 billion to the country's development, working in the areas of economic growth, agricultural development, environment and natural resources, health, education, democracy and governance, transition initiatives and humanitarian assistance.

Since the end of the country’s 26-year conflict in 2009, USAID has sought opportunities to support Sri Lankan priorities as the country moves through post-war recovery and transition.

Major current and recent activities include the following:

  • Addressing immediate humanitarian needs, USAID follows the Joint Plan for Assistance (JPA) for the Northern Province, providing food aid and assistance on livelihood, de-mining and shelter, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene.
  • Supporting the Ministry of Economic Development’s Backyard Economies Initiative, USAID provides assistance to returnees in the form of home gardening, farming and dairy equipment.
  • Responding to disastrous floods in January 2011, USAID provided $4.5 million worth of assistance, including both emergency and long-term food and shelter.
  • Helping former LTTE members return to civilian life, USAID continues to provide counseling and referral services.
  • Supporting Sri Lanka’s Mahinda Chintana – Vision for the Future – on equitable economic progress, USAID increases incomes through public-private alliances with Sri Lankan companies in the Eastern and Northern Provinces, and through a host of other economic growth programs.

From 2011 Forward: From Relief to Sustainable Development

As returnees are resettled and immediate humanitarian needs are met, Sri Lanka is increasingly focused on longer-term development priorities. USAID’s current programs reflect the shift from relief to development by focusing on two areas critical to the country’s long-term, equitable growth:

  • A strengthened partnership between the state and its citizens, reflected in a more responsive legal system and improved local government services.
  • Equitable economic growth, especially in lagging regions, reflected in higher incomes for Sri Lanka’s disadvantaged citizens.

As Sri Lanka moves from relief to development, USAID will work with government counterparts, local officials and community organizations to address priorities for a more united, democratic and prosperous Sri Lanka.