100 m euros from EU for post-tsunami reconstruction
The European Commissioner for External Relations and
Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the European Commission
has set aside 100 million euros for post-tsunami reconstruction
assistance to Sri Lanka.
Most of the money will be channeled through the World
Bank Reconstruction Trust Fund and will be used to restart livelihoods
for the tsunami affected including in the tourism, fisheries and apparel
sectors.
The market access zero tariff concessions provided for
Sri Lankan textiles to the EU (GSP plus) will be effective from April 1,
brought forward from July. The European Commission has also set aside 40
million euros for the reconstruction of the highway from Matara to
Batticaloa.
This was revealed when the European Commissioner,
currently in Sri Lanka on a two day visit, met Foreign Minister Lakshman
Kadirgamar on Monday at the Foreign Ministry, states a Foreign Ministry
press release. |
