The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a new donation of $15 million (Rs. 1.724 billion) of food aid to support the early return of displaced persons in the North.

With this latest donation, USAID has provided nearly $59 million (Rs 6.78 billion) of food aid in 2008 and 2009.

“USAID supports WFP and the Government of Sri Lanka in their efforts to provide essential food aid to Sri Lankans who have been displaced by the conflict,” said USAID Mission Director, Rebecca Cohn.

“Our food donation will support the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to return displaced citizens to their homes quickly and safely. As part of this support, our food will be used for the six-month ration that people receive once they return to their homes", she further said.