US aid to Lanka will continue, says envoy
Chaminda Perera
ORUGODAWATTE: US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Robert O’ Blake
yesterday denied any move to halt US aid to Sri Lanka and reiterated its
unwavering support for a political solution based on a compromise
between the Government and the LTTE.
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CLOSER LOOK: US Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Robert O.
Blake inspects the food consignment at the Orugodawatte WFP
Warehouse. Picture by Saman Sri Wedage |
The US envoy was speaking at the handing over of 17,500 metric tons
of essential commodities worth US $ five million to be distributed among
people in conflict affected areas at the WFP Warehouse at Orugodawatte.
This is a part of what will be provided by the US Government under
the USAID Food for Peace Programme. USAID has approved another US $ nine
million worth of food bringing the total US contribution to the WFP’s
relief efforts in Sri Lanka to $ 14 million.
The USAID maintains a team of humanitarian experts in Sri Lanka who
will identify what additional USAID assistance is required to meet the
people’s needs in conflict affected area.
The food consignment comprised lentil, wheat flour, cooking oil and
other essential foods.
Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry
Secretary W. K. K. Kumarasiri, SFP Country Director Mohammed Saleheen
also spoke. |
