USAID pledges $60 mln of funding for Sri Lanka

The chief of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on Sunday announced a $60 mln aid package for Sri Lanka.

USAID head Samantha Power said it would provide $40 mln for fertilizer imports and $20 mln for humanitarian needs to tackle the country's deep financial crisis.

Power, who is visiting Sri Lanka, added: ""I have come to convey that the United States stands with you during this unparalleled crisis."

Sri Lanka is facing acute shortages of essentials including food, fuel and medicines due to a lack of foreign currency needed to pay for imports.