“We know we can feed this country.”
— Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) September 10, 2022
Farmers in Sri Lanka told me that what they desperately need now is quality fertilizer to increase crop yields. Glad to announce new @USAID funding to help them with upcoming planting seasons. pic.twitter.com/0Zb08ABDSS
Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced $40 million in aid to support struggling Sri Lankan farmers and emphasises how "economic prosperity is inextricably linked to human rights and accountable governance".
“I am announcing an additional $40 million in assistance to Sri Lanka from the American People. Through USAID, this new funding is going to help one million local farmers get the fertilizer and the agricultural necessities they need, just in time for the next planting season,” Powers declared during a press conference.
During her statement, she stressed the current economic distress on the island, stating, “nearly 30% of Sri Lanka’s population – are currently food insecure and require humanitarian assistance”
Severe fertilizer shortages are resulting in 40% lower crop yields & Sri Lankan farmers expect the next harvest to be even worse. These lost wages are forcing families to make heartbreaking choices like mortgaging their heirlooms and rationing electricity just to get by. pic.twitter.com/v3eCHXiM7S
— Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) September 11, 2022
After meeting with civil society actors, she tweeted:
Sri Lankan civil society describes this perilous moment in their country as one that also holds opportunity for long overdue political reforms. Today, we discussed how economic prosperity is inextricably linked to human rights & accountable governance.
— Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) September 11, 2022
In her statement, she further castigated Sri Lanka’s woes as being “compounded by rising food, fuel and fertiliser prices due to Russia’s unprovoked war against Ukraine”. She also reaffirmed US support stating:
“The US Government will continue to explore ways to assist the country in meeting their immediate, medium, and long-term needs, and will continue ongoing efforts that boost sustainable economic growth, promote inclusivity, strengthen governance, and foster a free and prosperous Sri Lanka”.
Prior to her visit, a press release by the USAID maintained that she would raise issues of inclusive development and promote “human rights, democracy, and good governance” as well as the US’s “steadfast support for a free and open Indo-Pacific region that is connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure”.
Power, however, did not comment on the crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, instead stating that “there is more calm in the country then there was a couple of months ago”. She added, “it’s more stable in the sense that there is a new government trying to implement a set of reforms”.
The Wickremesinghe administration has come to widespread criticism by diplomats and NGOs for the crackdown on demonstrators through the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the frequent use of emergency regulations. The latest UN report raises alarm over the increasing militarisation of the state as well as the silencing of journalists.
Power further acknowledged the aid India has provided and stressed the US’s support in Sri Lanka in obtaining an agreement with the IMF. She further stated that she will meet with private sector actors and business leaders to learn how the private sector has been impacted.
In 2021, Power was appointed as the administrator of the USAID to confront “climate change, global poverty and democratic backsliding”.