Sri Lanka is an island nation located next to vital sea lanes in the Indian Ocean that carry half of the world's container shipments and two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments. Home to more than 21 million people, Sri Lanka continues to navigate a path toward self-reliance after a 26-year conflict, several natural disasters, the 2019 terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Since 1956 – five years before the inception of USAID – the U.S. Government has provided development and humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka to promote a healthy, educated, and employed population. As Sri Lanka’s largest export market, the United States is in a strong position to support the country’s economic growth. USAID’s current program supports the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen its democratic systems, and support marginalized and disaster-affected communities. 

USAID activities in Sri Lanka align with the U.S. Government’s vision to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific in which all nations are connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure.