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Bandagiriya Scheme to benefit 1161 families

By M. R. M. Niyas, Hambantota special corr.

The visiting President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Tadao Chino on his official tour of Southern Sri Lanka on March 6 inspected the Bandagiriya Water Supply Scheme in the Hambantota area funded by the ADB. The project which is estimated to cost Rs. 47.08 million will benefit 1161 families. The Minister of Southern Region Development, Ananda Kularatna and SPC Chief Minister, H. G. Sirisena also accompanied the ADB President.

ADB President, Tadao Chino on his fact finding tour met officials of the different projects implemented under the ADB assistance at the Peacock Beach Hotel, Hambantota.

Chino predicted that the completion of the ADB assisted Colombo-Matara express way when completed in a few years would fundamental transform the economy of the entire southern region.

He said: "This is a region of abundant natural resources and greater development potential. Unfortunately this region also suffered from poverty. The ADB has been working with the government to address some of the difficulties faced by the people for many years.

"For the past few years we have also supported provincial and national road improvement projects in the south, he said.

Another major challenge facing this region is the reliable pure drinking water supply system. He said the ADB very recently approved a project to expand the drinking water supply system for Hambantota. We also support the programmes on education, small and medium scale enterprise development, natural resources management and many other major components in the Southern Province. He emphasised that the development of all areas in Sri Lanka should be equally addressed and said that the ADB assistance to Sri Lanka would continue to be balanced among the different regions of the country.

Southern Region Development Minister, Ananda Kularatna said the lack of infrastructure facilities and lack of water for both drinking and agricultural facilities are the major causes for concern in the Southern Province. The Southern region specially the Hambantota district did not receive the due priority given to the other areas. There is also a great deal of opportunities and potential for development infrastructure. Southern Region Ministry Secretary, Chandrasena Maliyadda, Hambantota GA, Ananda Amaratunge and several other officials were also present.

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