ADB Directors renew support for SL in meeting with President

A meeting was held between President Maithripala Sirisena and a delegation of Board of Directors of Asian Development Bank (ADB) at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday.

The discussion was mainly about ADB grants and the progress of the ADB-funded project in Sri Lanka.

ADB representatives appreciated the Moragahakanda-Kaluganga multipurpose projectthat directly help alleviates poverty and raises living standards of those living in agro-economy based areas. It was also mentioned that the North Western Canal under the Moragahakandaproject was constructed with the assistance of ADB.

Cooperation will be provided specifically to the agricultural sector which aids to develop the rural and the poor and it is expected to broaden the assistance provided from the ADB.

The President highlighted the focus areas for collaboration with ADB. They includeuplifting the economic capacity of farmers, reducing poverty and development of the SME sector with an agro-economic bias.   

The President mentioned that poverty levels in the north and east were among the highest and more programs were necessary to uplift living conditions of the people. 

The Government pays special attention to uplift small and medium scale entrepreneurs, with a focus on increasing technology adoption in the agro sectorand increasing the export-oriented products of the SME sector, which are priorities for Sri Lanka. 

All the representatives who were present agreed with the President to provide assistance in this regard.

ADB Executive Director and the team leader for Sri Lanka KshatrapatiShivaj including other Board members were present at this meeting. 

Economic Advisor to the President Dr. Sarath Rajapathirana and National Economic CouncilSecretary-General and Chief Economist Professor Lalith Samarakoon were also present.