Today the United States announced the latest installment of $5.7 million in humanitarian assistance "to address the immediate needs of people hardest hit by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka."
In a statement, the US said the funding will "provide cash assistance, short-term jobs, and agriculture supplies such as seeds directly to crisis-affected people to meet their basic needs" as the island faces its worst economic crises in decades.
This is the latest installment of funding after the US announced earlier this month that it would provide $6 million in emergency assistance which includes "technical assistance" to the Sri Lankan government "as it implements economic and financial reform measures to stabilise the economy."
This combined assistance of nearly $11 million will go directly to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the current economic crisis. The US is committed to supporting small businesses, providing urgent assistance to farmers, and combating food insecurity in SL’s poorest communities. https://t.co/VLiVmWFlbr
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) June 21, 2022
US Ambassador Julie Chung tweeted that the US will support "small businesses, providing urgent assistance to farmers, and combatting food insecurity."
Sri Lanka's lack of foreign currency has left it unable to purchase essential imports such as fuel, food and medicines. The shortage of essentials have caused queues for fuel while soaring inflation has left families struggling to purchase food.
Doctors on the island have warned that the lack of medical supplies and routine power cuts could lead to a crisis worse than the coronavirus pandemic.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) team arrived in Colombo yesterday to begin talks regarding a bailout program for the island.
