It is inaccurate that some countries await change of Govt to offer aid or assistance

8 July 2022 01:08 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung said yesterday it is inaccurate that some countries are waiting for the change of government to offer aid or assistance to Sri Lanka.

In an interactive session with a select group of journalists at her residence, the ambassador said there had been misinformation that the international community was holding back aid or assistance at this time of need for Sri Lanka.

“I have said the U.S. supports Sri Lanka people. Most countries say that. Our support is not dependent on who is sitting in the presidential chair or the prime minister’s chair,” she said.

Emphasising the need for good governance, positive reforms that reflect the voices of people, and transparency, she said the US- Sri Lanka partnership is to address the needs of people.

“It is not the government or the ministers who stand in fuel queues. It is the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable. Our partnership is to address the needs of people,” she said.

Responding to a question about the current situation, the ambassador said she was ‘very concerned’ about the economic crisis and the political situation. Asserting that political reforms and economic reforms are intertwined, she said they must go in parallel.

“You cannot just address immediate needs of fuel, economic challenges and debt but ignore political reforms. Despite the grave situation, it is an opportunity to bring up these parallel challenges and make parallel reforms. The U.S. has been a friend of Sri Lanka. Now we have not changed. We are friends of Sri Lankan people. We do not advocate or support any individual, single party or politician. We want to support Sri Lankan people. We want to see democracy thrive,” she said.

Referring to the economic crisis, she said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was the only way for Sri Lanka since no international bank or government would lend to a country in debt restructuring needs.

Commenting on the recent visit of U.S. treasury officials, the ambassador said it was a mission to assess the ground situation here and discussed the sending of their technical advisors. She said the U.S. does not directly involve in talks between Sri Lanka and the IMF

Asked about the U.S. stand on Sri Lanka’s interest in getting fuel from Russia, she said her country had not imposed sanctions on third countries obtaining Russian oil.

“I know there is an interest in obtaining fuel. The U.S. has no sanctions against third countries. We have sanctions against Russian oil into the U. S. because we have the productive capacity,” she said.

Asked whether Sri Lanka stands another chance of getting financial assistance from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), she said it was really disappointing that it was not approved last time and otherwise, Sri Lankan people could have benefitted from the US $ 500 million grant. She said there was a lot of disinformation and manipulation of misinformation.

“There was an unprecedented level of misinformation,” she said. At this time, she said there is no consideration of another MCC compact for Sri Lanka.

“I hope someday in the future, there could be some consideration,” she said. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 10

Sri Lankan Friday, 08 July 2022 02:34 AM

USA why don’t you take back your citizens who are ruining our Sri Lanka ?

European Friday, 08 July 2022 02:53 AM

You better speak on behalf of the US only Mrs. Chung. Europe is not the US. And the problems in Sri Lanka are not on the European agenda at all.

mp Friday, 08 July 2022 03:59 AM

Well said honest statement, "It is not the government or the ministers who stand in fuel queues. It is the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable. Our partnership is to address the needs of people,” she said. The US- Sri Lanka partnership is to address the needs of people. The news piece written here too is very clear and well written.

Demuni Uduwara Friday, 08 July 2022 05:50 AM

On the ground !

Buddhist Friday, 08 July 2022 06:31 AM

Why did no one ask her while the USA gives billions for weapons for Ukraine, and gives a few million to SL where people have nothing to eat?

Steeped in history Friday, 08 July 2022 07:06 AM

Very Noble philosophy and we applaud you. But, between the donor and poor citizen sits the corrupt with their insatiate mouths open, allowing the poor to pick up crumbs. The Donor is helpless, as it is an internal matter. Please don't forget Marcos, and what the Filipinos did to that family. I am not dramatizing. This is as I see it.

Chandrapala Friday, 08 July 2022 07:41 AM

I appreciate you madam. Yes we need only good governance POLCY. It does not depend on the person who hold the top chair.

Shanika Kodiwattu Friday, 08 July 2022 03:00 PM

Sri Lankans, Be aware, any country who got helped from US are /Were dawning. So US, mind your own business.

Donny Friday, 08 July 2022 04:42 PM

Your message above is so clear that the US is the sole instigator of violence that include political, social, economical disturbances etc., hence, the people of Sri Lanka are aware of the US acting as "GAME CHANGER" in Sri Lankan politics that will definitely resultant in exacerbating the present condition in Sri Lanka.

Rotten Leaders' Guild Friday, 08 July 2022 08:07 PM

Talk if you can do something about it. If not, just keep your mouth shut. What has your country done for the suffering masses? Answer us that first.

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It is inaccurate that some countries await change of Govt to offer aid or assistance

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