Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2024-02-05 (Subject to Confirmation at the next Meeting)

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant funded promoting Autonomy, Literacy and Attentiveness through Market Alliances (PALAMA) Project in Sri Lanka - Phase II

- In 2018, the Government of the United States of America has provided a grant of US$ 26 million to Sri Lanka through the United States Department of Agriculture and the 'Save the Children' institute to implement the Promoting Autonomy, Literacy and Attentiveness through Market Alliances Project. The said project is due to be completed by the second quarter of 2024, and the Government of America has taken action to provide a grant of US$ 32.5 million through the 'Save the Children' institute to implement its second phase. It has been planned to implement the second phase of the said project aiming to bridge the short-term resource gaps within the Government-run “School Meals Programme”, improve the reading outcomes and literacy of school age children, promote good health and hygiene across schools and communities, strengthening of support systems and capacity building for sustainability. Accordingly, the proposal made by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, to implement the said project after entering into a Memorandum of Understanding between the relevant parties, was approved by the Cabinet.