The United States today insisted it will not control any land in Sri Lanka under the proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) deal with Sri Lanka.
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alaina B. Teplitz said that strong and inclusive economic growth promotes Sri Lankan sovereignty.
She said that the US wants to contribute to Sri Lanka’s growth by helping create economic opportunities for all.
“That’s what the MCC development assistance agreement is all about,” she said.
The Ambassador was speaking at the Sri Lanka-US Business Council AGM held today.
Ravinatha Aryasinha, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also attended the event.
“Sri Lanka will retain oversight and control of all roads proposed for improvement. The US will not own, control or administer any land,” the US Ambassador said.
There have been concerns that under the proposed MCC deal the US will gain control over land in Sri Lanka.
Teplitz said that the Governments of Sri Lanka and the US along with the private sector and civil society, collaboratively developed the proposed MCC agreement which is a $480 mil grant/gift designed to promote economic growth in Sri Lanka.
(Colombo Gazette)