US assistance to Polonnaruwa factory boosts local jobs, income

Thanks to USAID assistance, the modernised All Focus rice factory can now produce over 6,000 kg of rice flour per day, as well as creating 30 direct and 60 indirect jobs in the community

US Ambassador Atul Keshap and his family visit the USAID-supported All Focus factory in Polonnaruwa. Since 2011, USAID has committed $22.4 million (approximately Rs. 3.1 billion) to partnerships with 35 private companies to increase jobs and incomes across Sri Lanka

US Ambassador Atul Keshap recently visited the facilities of All Focus Ltd. in Gallella to congratulate the managers and workers for successfully boosting employment in the Polonnaruwa region.

The new facilities and equipment are part of an innovative partnership between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and private Sri Lankan businesses. Since 2011, USAID has committed $ 22.4 million (approximately Rs. 3.1 billion) in partnerships like this throughout Sri Lanka.

“The United States is always looking for new ways to help create jobs and improve incomes for families across Sri Lanka,” said Ambassador Keshap. “Investments like this in Polonnaruwa help more than just one company’s employees; they create new opportunities for other businesses in the community as well.” 

All Focus is just one of 35 companies in Sri Lanka participating in USAID’s VEGA/BIZ+ program, where each business invests at least an equal amount of its own money to receive USAID financial, managerial and operational support. The program has already created 4,607 direct jobs and another 9,832 indirect jobs in communities across Sri Lanka.

The partnership with All Focus has strengthened an economically struggling community in Gallella by constructing a modern rice processing facility capable of producing over 6,000 kgs of rice flour per day. The factory employs more than 30 people and, by creating a higher-quality product, generates additional income for 60 smaller mills and local paddy farmers in the supply and distribution chain. 

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