The Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has become a topic of recent debate. Some claim that it is an effort to hijack Sri Lanka’s sovereignty by the US, whilst others argue that it is an opportunity to create economic prosperity for Sri Lankans. On April 25, 2019, the MCC Board of Directors approved the five-year Sri Lanka Compact, which is currently pending approval from the Government of Sri Lanka. Since the approval of the Compact, conversations around the MCC grant have been driven by misinformation, fear-mongering and petty politics and many valid concerns about the agreement have gone unaddressed.

MCC ගිවිසුම ගැන ඇත්ත නැත්ත will be at the “Lighthouse Auditorium and Lawns” (Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute) this Thursday (19th September) from 5.30 PM onwards. The Advocata Institute will be providing a platform where the general public can raise questions and concerns from the government and technical experts on the MCC compact. 

Speakers include Prof.Amal Kumarage (Head of the Department of Transport and Logistics Management, University of Moratuwa); Dr.Saman Widanapathiranage (Deputy Director, Highway Designs at the Road Development Authority (RDA) and Mr. Sarath Jayatilaka  (Former Deputy Surveyor General).

The event will be followed by a panel discussion with Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka (Minister of Megapolis and Western Development); Dr. Charitha Herath (Former Secretary, Ministry of Mass Media and Lecturer, University of Peradeniya) and Mrs. Jenner Edelman (Sri Lanka Resident Country Director - Millennium Challenge Corporation).