PM seeks US assistance for local apparel sector

US Ambassador Calls on PM; Discusses COVID-19, Economy & Joint Collaborations

by Zulfick Farzan 05-05-2020 | 12:57 PM

Colombo (News 1st); U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning in Colombo and discussed a host of issues, including the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, post-COVID-19 economic challenges, and ongoing collaborations.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office Ambassador Teplitz said, the United States is always hopeful that the public health situation gets better and wants to remain a steadfast partner.

On the economic front, the Prime Minister requested U.S. assistance for Sri Lanka’s apparel sector, noting that some of Sri Lanka’s major apparel-sector companies are now manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) to help meet global demand.

The Ambassador had agreed to follow-up on this request and informed the Prime Minister the Embassy is already working with companies in different sectors to connect them with buyers in the United States.

She said the United States would like to see Sri Lanka’s multinational companies as well as SMEs successfully overcome the crisis.

The delegations also discussed upcoming elections in both countries and pending projects that the two countries will follow-up on as soon as the COVID-19 situation is under control.