Bush and Clinton agree US could be a  catalyst in SL’s redevelopment
[February 21, 2005 - 10.50 GMT] 

Two former US Presidents George Bush Senior and Bill Clinton called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga yesterday.

The President outlined the scale of the tsunami damage to the lives and livelihoods of Sri Lankans and the destruction to infrastructure. However she said she was proud of the resilience of her countrymen and their magnificent response to help their fellow men in distress. The almost immediate response of the international community was overwhelming, she said. The LTTE too was cooperative in the distribution of aid at the district level relief committees.

The President explained the work done in record time by the Task Force for reconstruction in assessing the damage and drawing up the plan of action for rehabilitation and reconstruction. In monetary terms the current estimates for reconstruction is 1.5 billion US$.

When asked how the US Government could be of assistance, the President and her officials said the United States is Sri Lanka’s biggest trading partner and trade concessions particularly in the apparel sector for the next two to three years would be most welcome. This would help the country with its foreign exchange earnings, while the tourist industry recovers. US assistance in easing Sri Lanka’s debt service commitments was also discussed.

The two US leaders agreed Sri Lankans would know best to prioritize their needs in the redevelopment process and that they would on their return convey to the Government that America could create and enabling atmosphere with the trade and debt concessions sought by the Sri Lankan Government.

Contact Information: Send mail to gosl@presidentsl.org with questions or comments about this web site. 
Last Updated Date: February 21, 2005 - 10.50 GMT