US supports transport and healthcare in EP
In support of two important sectors in the Eastern Province -
transportation and healthcare - The United States renovated a bus depot
in Vakarai, handed over newly refurbished buses to the Sri Lanka
Transport Board (SLTB) and provided a new incinerator to the Batticaloa
Teaching Hospital.
This assistance, provided through the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID), will ease transportation hassles
faced by Eastern Province residents, as well as ensure cleaner, safer
healthcare for the 360,000 annual patients at the only teaching hospital
in the Province.
Complementing the Government of Sri Lanka’s investment in
infrastructure development, the project also trained SLTB staff in motor
repair and mechanics to ensure that the buses remain in good shape.
“Vakarai residents can now reach schools, hospitals, courts and have
increased access to markets without difficulty,” said USAID Director in
Sri Lanka James Bednar. “And by supporting Batticaloa’s healthcare, we
hope to improve the quality of life for thousands of families in the
surrounding communities.” |