Message from Mission Director Rebecca Cohn
Thank you for visiting our website.
I am pleased to report that we have completed all of the projects in our $134 million Tsunami Reconstruction Program, helping citizens, businesses, and communities recover from the terrible devastation brought by the disaster. Our activities have included large infrastructure projects that will dramatically affect entire communities, such as the construction of the new Arugam Bay Bridge, the building and equipping of nine vocational training centers that will prepare young people for high-demand jobs, and the renovation of three fishing harbors. It has also included smaller community infrastructure, such as playgrounds, public markets, libraries, and transport facilities.
USAID remains committed to providing assistance where it is needed most. Today we are focused on shorter-term stabilization and longer-term development of the Eastern Province. As part of our stabilization efforts, USAID will rebuild targeted damaged schools and hospitals in some of the areas most affected by the conflict. To support our longer-term development objectives, we will strengthen workforce development initiatives, establish partnerships with the private sector to create jobs and stimulate the local economy, support increased transparency in local governance and increased citizen engagement with government, and strengthen conflict-resolution mechanisms. Through this support, we believe that conflict-affected populations in the East will have the chance to rebuild their communities, resulting in safer, more prosperous places to live, study, and work. Under our motto, Working towards a more peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka for all citizens, we also stand ready to provide assistance to the people of northern Sri Lanka, beyond the food aid already being supplied, when the security situation allows that.
I encourage you to spend some time visiting our Website and learning more about the ways USAID works to support the people of Sri Lanka.
--Rebecca Cohn
