Tuesday, 18 February 2014 00:01
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Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, David Daly accompanied by senior representatives from the European Union Headquarters including Jorge de la Caballeria, Head of Unit for Asia and Central Asia division, will visit EU funded projects this week in the Eastern Province and explore cooperation possibilities in Uva and Central Provinces.
The aim of the visit is to assess how EU funded projects have impacted the lives of the communities, listening to the people themselves. The projects expected to be visited by the delegates include initiatives related to the tea plantation community, children’s rights, Persons with Disabilities and agricultural infrastructure.
During the visit, meetings will be held with senior government representatives, including the Governor of the Eastern Province, Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama and Chief Minister Najeeb Abdul Majeed. The Delegation is also expected to meet the Deputy Minister of Economic Development in Nuwara Eliya, Muttu Shivalingam and Government Agents of the districts.
Prior to the visit Ambassador Daly said: “Despite only having been in Sri Lanka for a few months, I have truly been touched by the warmth with which I have been welcomed and the hospitality that has been shown to me. I have also witnessed how the EU has assisted Sri Lanka in its priorities of reconciliation, reconstruction and economic development on the ground. During this upcoming trip, I wish to understand not only how the EU has made a positive impact in Central and Eastern Sri Lanka but also what we can do better and how we can assist the Government of Sri Lanka in achieving its Mahinda Chintana priorities.”
EU assistance to Sri Lanka during the period 2005-2015 amounts to approximately EUR 670 million. This sum includes a sum of EUR 250 million in loans that has been provided to Sri Lanka by the European Investment Bank.
