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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: U.S. Ambassador opens two schools rehabilitated by U.S. Government in Trincomalee District

Release no. 20091109

Colombo - 10 November, 2009: The U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Patricia A. Butenis, officially opened two schools in Mutur. The schools were rebuilt by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the development agency of the U.S. Government, as part of its program to help former conflict-affected communities return to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Ambassador Butenis presided over the ceremonial openings of Amman Nagar and Arafa Nagar Schools in Trincomalee District, two of five schools rehabilitated by USAID with funding from the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). In addition to the five schools in Trincomalee, two schools and one hospital were also rehabilitated in the Batticaloa District.

U.S. Ambassador Butenis said, "Stronger schools lead to a better education, which leads to more opportunities for young people. These schools are symbols that a brighter and better future is possible for these two communities, and the United States Government is pleased to contribute."

The schools in Amman Nagar and Arafa Nagar were severely damaged during the many years of conflict. The rehabilitation of the schools signals a positive change to the communities and will encourage residents displaced by the conflict to return.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, have provided development and humanitarian assistance in developing countries worldwide for nearly 50 years. Since 1956, USAID/Sri Lanka has invested nearly $2 billion to benefit all the people of Sri Lanka.

Contact:

Embassy of the United States of America
Colombo
Tel: +94 (1) 249-8100
Fax: +94 (1) 244-9070
Email: AndersonJJ2@state.gov
http://srilanka.usembassy.gov