U.S. Supports Sri Lankan Election Monitoring
Colombo, November 14, 2005: The United States of America will support the efforts of Sri Lankan civil society organizations to monitor and report on the 2005 Presidential election to help ensure a free and fair poll on November 17.
Through the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, a U.S.-based nongovernmental organization, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide $132,500 in grants to the Peoples Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) and the Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV).
“The United States remains committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict and strengthening democratic processes in Sri Lanka,” Ambassador Jeffrey J. Lunstead said. “The people of Sri Lanka are justifiably proud of the strong democratic traditions in this country. Our support for election monitoring will assist Sri Lankans to promote transparency and accountability, while ensuring all citizens have an opportunity to choose the future leadership of their country.”
The funding will be used to support the training and deployment of election monitors, evaluating the media coverage of the campaign, and the administration and management of this nationwide program.