Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met with the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie J. Chung, at the Parliament premises to engage in a high-level discussion on U.S. foreign assistance and the future of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting centered on strategies for delivering U.S. foreign aid to Sri Lanka and explored avenues to enhance sustainable partnerships. During the discussion, the U.S. delegation provided a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister regarding the recent three-month temporary suspension of foreign assistance. This pause is currently under review by the U.S. Treasury Department as part of a broader reassessment of foreign aid policies.
A key focus of the dialogue was the potential impact of this suspension on vital development initiatives, particularly the Safe Housing Project for Women, and the broader humanitarian implications stemming from the disruption of ongoing support mechanisms.
The Prime Minister and the delegation underscored the crucial role of the United States as a global leader in international development. The importance of maintaining and strengthening bilateral ties was emphasized, with the Prime Minister acknowledging U.S. efforts to explore alternative means of supporting Sri Lanka’s development priorities.
Additionally, the conversation addressed the implications of U.S.-imposed tariffs on Sri Lanka’s economic stability and the broader objectives of the country’s long-term development agenda.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Maureen Hassia, Acting Director of Operations and Program Office Director at USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives; Angelina Herman, Acting Director of the Office of Vulnerable Populations; Nirmi Vitarana, Project Management Specialist from the Office of Economic Growth; Pradeep Saputhanthree, Secretary to the Prime Minister; Sagarika Bogahawatte, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister; and Pramoditha Munasinghe, Director of the North American Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
