Amidst comprehensive study by a committee of Sri Lankan experts on the pros and cons on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the United States (US) hopes that the substantial American grant of $ 480 million with Sri Lanka will be a success.
It is a substantial grant of over 5 years, equivalent to USD 22.43 for every Sri Lankan.
It is a sign of these political times that even an apolitical issue like a foreign aid programme becomes a hot topic in Sri Lanka.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South & Central Asian Affairs Jonathan Henick stated that it was a $480 million grant from his country and would benefit millions of Sri Lankans by reducing traffic congestion.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary said: “As Indo-Pacific countries, the United States and Sri Lanka are both interested in freedom of navigation, maritime security, countering violent extremism, and other issues that ensure that the Indo-Pacific region continues to be peaceful, prosperous, and stable.”
The committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers to study the U.S. MCC development assistance grant agreement has decided to seek public views about the agreement.
Accordingly an individual, organization or an association can submit their views or evaluations to the committee before February 15.
If the committee determines that there is a need for further consultation, they will get the opportunity to express their views before the committee.
The larger part of the MCC Compact—the USD 350 million transport project—focuses on modernising bus transport and improving traffic management systems, which would contribute towards crucial improvements in public transport and provide tangible benefits to the poor.
A small land project—envisaged amounting to USD 67 million—seeks to improve the land administration policy in Sri Lanka. Specifically, it seeks to map and survey state lands, strengthen government capacity and provide help with the digitisation of deeds.
The MCC Compact is not well understood in Sri Lanka sparking the spread of fake news.
This may reflect inadequate transparency and engagement with stakeholders (such as civil society, think tanks, businesses, and the media) by MCC during the design phase.
(LI)