COLOMBO : United States Ambassador Julie Chung said here on Sunday, Jan.1 that she is hopeful 2023 will bring economic recovery, lasting change, and new opportunities to the people of Sri Lanka.
In her tweet released to mark the New Year, the ambassador further said : “ 2022 has been an unforgettable year. I am truly grateful for the people I’ve met, experiences I’ve shared, and the differences we’ve made together.”
“As I reflect on 2022, I’m thinking about the multitude of ways that the US and SL have come together over the last year to make a difference. In 2022 alone, the United States has announced more than $240M in new assistance to Sri Lanka.”
“ That new assistance supports basic food security and addresses the needs of the most vulnerable communities, including funding for school lunches, fertilizer for small holder farmers, and cash assistance for new and expectant mothers.”
“ Today I’m thinking about the three basic tenets of the US relationship with Sri Lanka: People, Progress, and Partnership. 2023 will be the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relationship w Sri Lanka, and I look forward to building on each of those areas with you. Happy New Year!”
As I reflect on 2022, I’m thinking about the multitude of ways that the US and SL have come together over the last year to make a difference. In 2022 alone, the United States has announced more than $240M in new assistance to Sri Lanka.
But our relationship with Sri Lanka is much bigger than just about assistance. It’s about partnership. Together we’ve taken steps to rid the oceans of plastics, address the crisis of climate change, connect neighbors, build bilateral trade, and advance a free and open Indo Pacific region.
“ We are also supporting loans, training & assistance for SMEs in Sri Lanka, as they face the heaviest burden in times of crisis. This assistance is on top of our existing development partnership working with government, the private sector, civil society, and the people of Sri Lanka.”
