Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is in a period of post-conflict transition following the end of a brutal 26-year conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lankan military in 2009. This transition presents both challenges and opportunities, and will determine the sustainability of the country’s peace for years to come.

Sri Lanka’s economy grew at a rapid pace in 2011 and 2012, but this growth was uneven, with the post-conflict Northern and Eastern Provinces lagging significantly behind the rest of the country. In these regions, vulnerable populations—including the disabled, war widows and ex-combatants—still struggle to generate livelihoods and meet basic needs. USAID programming strives to bridge divides between various ethnic and religious communities and to support institutions and processes that are more responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly the poor and marginalized.

As development priorities shift focus from humanitarian relief to longer-term growth, USAID’s priorities are to facilitate peace and reconciliation between ethnic groups, give all Sri Lankans an equitable stake in the island’s economic growth, and foster a more democratic and inclusive society.