Concessionary loan scheme to revitalise enterprises affected by the disaster
The United States Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ms Allison Hooker, stated that Sri Lanka will be able to rebuild under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and that the United States stands ready to extend any required assistance in this regard.
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Ms Allison Hooker, the US Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs, took place this morning (11) at the Presidential Secretariat, during which she made these remarks.
Expressing her satisfaction at the United States being able to extend support to Sri Lanka in the wake of the recent disaster, Ms Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the Government of the United States, led by President Donald Trump, through the deployment of various relief teams and aid missions during this difficult period. He further acknowledged the heartfelt assistance extended to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations.
The President noted that Sri Lanka was compelled to confront this disaster at a time when the country had been stabilising its economy and improving key economic indicators. He emphasised that, going forward, particular attention must be devoted to restoring the livelihoods of affected communities and to the long-term development of essential infrastructure.
President Dissanayake observed that it would take some time to restore infrastructure severely damaged by floods and landslides, such as highways, railway lines and other critical facilities, as well as major income-generating sectors including agriculture, livestock and small and medium-scale industries. He added that Sri Lanka would, in this context, look to the continued support of its partner nations.
Ms Hooker stated that attention has been directed towards recommencing discussions on US tariff concessions and that efforts are underway to support the promotion of tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as the expansion of trade and maritime cooperation between the two countries.
She further noted that the United States fully supports the programme implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka to eradicate the threat posed by illicit drugs.
President Dissanayake observed that a significant number of US tourists had visited Sri Lanka in recent months and expressed hope that this trend would continue. He also conveyed his appreciation for the support extended by the US Government in helping the country emerge from the current crisis and uplift the living standards of the Sri Lankan people.
Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Anil Jayanta Fernando; Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Dr Harshana Suriyapperuma; and the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms Julie Chung, along with other diplomatic representatives, were also present on this occasion.
