Christina Rocca visits Trincomalee, assures development aid

[TamilNet, Saturday, 15 May 2004, 15:06 GMT]
US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Ms Christina Rocca Saturday morning met with the Trincomalee Government Agent and District Secretary Mr. Gamini Rodrigo at the latter's office located inside the Fort Frederick and discussed about the development of the district, sources said. fter the discussion Mr. Rodrigo told local journalists that Ms Christina Rocca has promised US assistance to develop and strengthen the agro and fisheries industries in the district.

MsChristina Rocca in the Trincomalee district secretariat

Ms. Rocca accompanied by the US Ambassador in Colombo Mr.Jeffry Lunstead and other US officials arrived in Trincomalee on one-day visit. She first met with the Government Agent and obtained first hand information of the current situation of the district where three communities live, district secretariat sources said.

Mr.V.Suntheralingam, District Assistant Director of Planning joined Mr. Rodrigo during the discussion. USAID Regional Programme Manager, Ms Brenda Barrett, US embassy media officer Ms Cody Taylor and other officials participated with Ms. Rocca in the discussion.

Mr. Rodrigo on behalf of the people of Trincomalee district submitted proposals to strengthen the agro-business activities and fisheries industry of the district. The Government Agent briefed the US diplomat that the economy of the Trincomalee district depends on agriculture and fisheries. Majority of the people in the district are farmers and fisherfolk, he added.



(L-R) Trincomalee Government Agent Mr.Gamini Rodrigo briefs Ms Christina Rocca, US Ambassador Mr.Lunstead, USAID Regional Programme Office Ms Brenda Barrett in the Trincomalee district secretariat





Ms Christina Rocca ( extreme right ) and ( L-R) Ms Cody Taylor, Ms Brenda Barrett and US ambassador Mr.Jeffry Lunstead