As Senegal signed the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact with the US government, UNP Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha de Silva lamented Sri Lanka's inability to enter into the programme due to the current political crisis. 

"Sri Lanka was about to sign almost USD 500m MCC compact; largest grant (no repayment) we ever got. We were to use it for advanced land surveying n titling, high tech traffic management and provincial roads. But #CoupLK put it on hold.," De Silva tweeted this morning. 

The US has “paused” finalizing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) initiative with Sri Lanka, putting $ 500 million of grant assistance at stake.

The US attributed the decision to the current political crisis in Sri Lanka which has made a debilitating impact on the economy. 

The US has exerted pressure on President Maithripala Sirisena through diplomatic channels to resolve the current crisis by upholding democracy and adhering to constitutional provisions.