Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2015-09-16

'Programme on Strengthened Partnership for Social Integration' and 'Programme on Increased and Equitable Economic Growth'

The Government of the Republic of Sri Lanka has signed two agreements in the year 2011, with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to obtain grant assistance for financing the 'Programme of Strengthened Partnership for Social Integration' and 'Programme of Increased and Equitable Economic Growth in the Emerging Regions'. Taking into consideration the current social, economic and political background, the proposal made by Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, the Minister of Finance, to amend the name of the 'Programme of Strengthened Partnership for Social Integration' as 'Strengthened Partnership for Democratic Reforms and Social Integration' and to increase the contribution provided by USAID for that programme by further US$ 3.49 Million up to US$ 10.73 million and to amend the name of the 'Programme of Increased and Equitable Economic Growth in the Emerging Areas' which is important in provinces such as North, North Central, Eastern and Uva as 'Increased Equitable Economic Growth and Public Finance Management' and to increase the contribution provided by USAID by further US$ 3 million to obtain a sum of US$ 14.71 million for the programme, was approved by the Cabinet.