'USAID will stand with Sri Lankan people'

USAID will stand with the Sri Lankan people and continue to share a commitment in building more prosperous and unified nation, USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director James F Bednar said at a press conference held at the American Centre to mark USAID's 50th anniversary.

He said USAID enduring relationship with Sri Lanka for 55 years is based on a positive partnership. It plays a unique role with the private sector which creates jobs and stimulates economic growth ensuring sustainable development.

Bednar said USAID under private sector collaboration works with the government, private sector as well as civil society to improve investment conditions and expand private sector opportunities. Out of USAID's US$ 35 million US$ 15 million was facilitated by partners in aquaculture, horticulture, construction, dairy, logistics and apparel and over 90 percent of its collaborations has been with Sri Lankan companies.

He said leading companies such as Brandix and Daya Apparel target some 1,600 men and women from all communities for jobs in newly-constructed Eastern Province factories.

Also in partnership with Hayleys Group, USAID has helped to link Eastern Province farmers to global markets, moving them from subsistence farming to income boosting cash crops such as cucumbers, jalapeno peppers and pineapples.

The Biz plus programme provides grants and targeted technical and management assistance to the SME sector. RK