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2009-09-28
Colombo September 28, 2009 The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the development agency of the U.S. Government, sponsored two training programs to strengthen the ability of local officials to deliver services to Eastern Province residents. The two residential workshops supported by USAID reached over 90% of local authorities in the Eastern Province, providing them with the skills to better plan, prioritize, and budget for local projects.
Rebecca Cohn, USAID Mission Director, stated, It is important that local leaders be well prepared to meet the challenges of managing complex development activities in the Eastern Province. USAID is pleased that our assistance has provided 100 elected officials and staff from 36 Pradesheeya Sabhas and one urban council with new skills. Our hope is that this training will translate into improved services for local communities and stronger development results from better management of limited resources.
Mr. M. Uthayakumar, Commissioner of Local Government Eastern Province and Mr. D.P. Hettiarachchi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils, also participated in these workshops.
Mr. M. Ranabahu, Secretary of Namal Oya Pradesheeya Sabha stated, I am glad that many local government officers, both Sinhala and Tamil speaking, actively took part in these trainings and reflected on the existing issues and complexities. The knowledge and experience we have gained from the workshop can now be successfully utilized in the Pradesheeya Sabhas. The whole exercise was very valuable.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided development and humanitarian assistance in developing countries worldwide for nearly 50 years. Since 1956, USAID/Sri Lanka has invested nearly $2 billion to benefit all the people of Sri Lanka.
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Officials and staff from Seruwila, Kantale and Moragaswewa Pradesheeya Sabhas work together at the USAID workshop. Representatives from more than 90% of the local authorities in the Eastern Province increased their knowledge of participatory planning and budgeting.
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