US/SL tensions won't affect aid projects: Bednar

TUESDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2011
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said today that the political tensions between Sri Lanka and the United States Government would not have any bearing on the aid projects in the country.

When questioned whether the tensions between the two countries were taken into consideration in the allocation of aid USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director James F. Bednar speaking to the media at USAID’s  50th anniversary celebrations said, “Not really, we are concerned with reconciliation and reinvigorating the country”.

USAID has a number of partnerships with private companies in the country. When questioned whether the recently passed expropriation bill was taken into consideration while operating in the country Mr. Bednar said, “There has been no effect thus far, but I don’t want to speculate on the future. We are interested in making the private sector profitable and having partnerships in all sectors. I don’t wish to comment on the impact this would have on the investment sector”.

From 2010 to 2011 USAID in Sri Lanka has increased its budget from 9.7 million to 14.7 million USD. (Dianne Silva)