ADB’s South Asia head meets Basil

New Director General of the Asian Development Bank’s South Asia Regional Department Juan Miranda made a courtesy call on Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Tuesday to discuss the current status in relation to ADB’s assistance program in Sri Lanka.

He was accompanied by Lead Development Effectives Specialist Hans G. Carlson and ADB’s Country Director in Sri Lanka Rita O’Sullivan.

At the discussion, Minister Rajapaksa said the Government has initiated many development projects during the conflict and post conflict period, creating an environment for an economic takeoff and bringing normalcy even in conflict affected areas, were some of the aims of these development projects.

Connecting the country with a good road network, facilitating the passenger and freight movement through new airport and port facilities, generating enough energy through sustainable sources, expanding the accommodation and recreation facilities for the tourist industry were among these massive development projects.

“Our economic strategy is people based economic development. The focal point of this strategy is to bring economic benefits to the common people. During last seven years we have initiated many development projects to improve livelihoods and environments of the people.

The Gama Naguma – Village re-awaking program, 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 program are among those projects.

They were very successful and majority of the people are enjoying the benefits of these projects,” Minister Rajapaksa said.

ADB and other donor agencies had helped Sri Lanka to initiate many skill development programs during the past few years. However Sri Lanka needs more projects to enhance the skills and knowhow of the labour force to cater to the growing demand it has generated locally and internationally, the Minister added.Miranda expressed his confidence over Sri Lanka’s improving economic conditions in the post conflict period. He said he is very happy about the economic development process of the country and adjustments made to face challenging situations. During the next three to four years ADB will provide Sri Lanka economic assistance amounting over US$ 2 billion he said.

He said the Government has implemented development projects in North-Eastern provinces funded by the ADB very successfully. Significant contribution was made from these projects to bring normalcy to these provinces.

ADB  will help Sri Lanka to improve the present skill development programs and initiate fresh programs with state of art new technologies and know how in order to meet the nowadays requirement. In conclusion Miranda said ADB will provide support for Sri Lanka in the country’s drive for economic progress.