PACOM Supports USAID Development Work in Sri Lanka

U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) is supporting a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative to refurbish seven schools and a hospital in Sri Lanka. Details of the project are outlined in a recent USAID news release.

The project is made possible, in part, with Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster and Civic Aid (OHDACA) funds, which are being administered by PACOM. While coordination of humanitarian assistance efforts with USAID offices in foreign countries is not new, the use of PACOM’s OHDACA funds to support a USAID-managed projects is.

This project is an example of both USAID’s (Department of State) and PACOM’s (Department of Defense) pursuit of co-sponsored country engagement with a shared commitment to assist those in need.

The Department of Defense OHDACA program is managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. It is designed to build cooperative relationships and allow friends and allies to improve infrastructure and conditions that would otherwise result in human suffering. PACOM receives an annual OHDACA budget and works closely with U.S. Embassies throughout the PACOM area of responsibility to identify humanitarian projects.

The support for USAID’s efforts in Sri Lanka is indicative of PACOM’s whole-of-government approach to enhancing security and stability throughout Asia-Pacific.