Nethali STRUYS
Japan provided a concessional loan of Rs 9.3 billion to the Sri Lanka government for the Emergency Natural Disasters Rehabilitation Project last week.
The funds are to be used for reconstructing infrastructure damaged by the floods in Central, North Central and Eastern provinces.
The Japanese Ambassador said the heavy rains during the first half of this year seriously damaged basic infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems and livelihoods of the people in many areas. Rehabilitating the damaged infrastructure is necessary in restoring social and economic services and the livelihoods of the people in affected areas, he added.
"Japan will continue to provide humanitarian assistance despite the recent earthquake," he said.
The Ambassador added, "I recall with gratitude the support from the government and the people of Sri Lanka to Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake. Japan is well aware of how natural disasters impact on the lives of people and understands the need to rebuild these areas better than before. We hope that the funds provided by Japan will be used effectively and that relevant authorities would take measures to maintain the infrastructure in the long-term."
The agreement was signed by Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Kunio Takahashi and Finance and Planning Ministry Secretary Dr P B Jayasundera at the Finance and Planning Ministry. The Loan Agreement was signed by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Akira Shimura and Dr P B Jayasundera.
http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/10/05/news46.asp
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