The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) last week opened four projects in the Moneragala District thatwill support livelihoods and improve community infrastructure in the region.

The assistance, worth more than $83,000, includes equipment for the intensive care unit of the Moneragala base hospital, agricultural toolsand small machinery for targeted farmer organizations in the region, vocational training for conflict-affected families along the Yala Wildlife Reserve border, and solar panels for public schools, health centers and community halls in Buttala.

More than 500,000 Sri Lankans are expected to benefit from this assistance, which was provided through USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) regional office in Ampara.

"USAID is very excited to be partnering with communities in the Moneragala District," Regional Program Manager Wayne Brook said in an interview. "These projects are benefits of the peace that Sri Lanka has enjoyed now for more than 2-1/2 years. The American people are proud to be able to cooperate with Sri Lanka in its economic development in such a climate of peace."

USAID/OTI's Sri Lanka program generates support for a negotiated peace settlement to end the long-standing conflict in Sri Lanka. OTI-supported activities demonstrate tangible benefits of peace; increase the exchange of accurate, balanced information on peace issues; and promote community
level conflict management and peaceful co-existence. Since March 2003, USAID/OTI's flexible and fast small-grants program in Sri Lanka has made 185 grants - almost all to local organizations -- totaling US $4.1 million.

Vindhya Malalasekera - Tissera
Information Specialist
Office of Public Diplomacy
American Embassy
44, Galle Road
Colombo 3
Sri Lanka.

Tel: +94 (11) 242-1272
Cell: +94 (77) 770-9577

Email: tisserav@state.gov