ADB to provide over 2 Billion US$ for Sri Lanka’s development
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- Published on Friday, 29 June 2012 15:27
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Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa said that the government initiated many development projects during the conflict period and post conflict period, in the Northern and Eastern Provinces to improve the economy and bring normalcy to the conflict affected areas.
The Minister said that connecting the country with a good road network, facilitating the passenger and freight movement through new airport and port facilities, generating sufficient energy through sustainable sources, expanding accommodation and recreation facilities for tourist industry were among the massive development projects implemented by the government with the objective of passing the benefits of development to each and every person in the country.
He said that the economic strategy of the country is a people based economic development, and the point of this strategy is to bring economic benefits to the conmon people. He said that during the last seven years the government has initiated many development projects to improve the livelihood and living environment of the people, and sighted Gama Naguma - Village reawaking programme, Divi Naguma - backyard economy development project, Maternity and child clinic improvement project, School sanitary development project, Sathipola development project and one project for one village programme and majority of the people are enjoying the benefits of these projects.
The Minister said that the Asian Development Bank and other donor agencies had helped Sri Lanka to initiate many skills development programmes during the past few years. However Sri Lanka needs more projects to enhance the skills and know how of the labor force to cater to the growing demand it has generated locally and internationally. He said that the government has implemented development projects in Northern and Eastern provinces funded by the ADB very successfully, and significant contribution was made from these projects to bring normalcy to these provinces.
The Minister made these comments when the new Director General of the Asian Development Bank’s South Asia Regional Department Juan Miranda made a courtesy call at his Ministry to discuss current status in relation to ADB’s assistance programme to Sri Lanka. The ADB Director General was accompanied by Hans G Carlson, Lead Development Effectives Specialist and Ms. Rita O’sullivan, ADB’s country Director in Sri Lanka.
Juan Miranda expressed his confidence over the Sri Lanka's fast improving economic condition in the post conflict period. He said he is very happy about the economic development process of the country and adjustments made to face the challenging situation. Despite all these adverse publicity created by some sectors, Sri Lanka was able to win confidence globally as it is evident from booming tourism industry.
He also said that during the next 3 to 4 years ADB will provide Sri Lanka with economic assistance amounting over 2 billion U.S.dollars. He further said that ADB will help Sri Lanka to improve the present skills development programmes and initiate fresh programmes with state of art new technologies and know how in order to meet the nowadays requirement.
In conclusion ADB New director General Miranda assured that the ADB will provide all support for Sri Lanka’s drive for economic progress. He also congratulated the Minister and the government for the achievement reached within a short period of time in the sphere of economic Development.(niz).
