World Bank Public Information Centre opened in Colombo

INFORMATION CENTRE: The Government has acted very quickly on the peace initiative and this is praiseworthy, World Bank's Country Director for Sri Lanka Peter Harrold said.

Speaking at the opening of the World Bank Public Information Centre at Colombo 3 he said that permanent peace would lead to economic prosperity, more investment and reduction of poverty. "We are eagerly following this," he said.

Harrold said that there is an uneven growth pattern in Sri Lanka where some areas enjoy many privileges. "Steps should be taken to breach this gap," he said.

Minister for Media and Information Anura Priyadharshana Yapa said that for the last five decades World Bank has given tremendous assistance to Sri Lanka and the support given by the World Bank during the tsunami disaster was invaluable.

He said that there was a gap in the information flow to the people and the setting up of the Information centre would bridge that.

"Through free and open access to development information and documentation on the World Bank all sectors of the public will contribute to the economic as well as social development of their own communities," he said.

"It is vital for any local or foreign institution, to be transparent in all their work.

This Public Information Centre will function as an arena which displays accountability and transparency of the World Bank and its work.

The Centre will definitely enhance the operation quality and the effectiveness of the Bank. "Most importantly, this centre provides the space for a dialogue on development issues for the public.

President Mahinda Rajapakse has always recognised and placed great importance on the people's right to have access to correct information.

"Without credible information and people friendly methods of communication, we know for a fact that people's hearts and minds can never be captured.

I believe that the resources available at the centre will enable the public to understand the role and the function of the World Bank, while creating opportunities for the Bank to engage in a dialogue with the public," he said. (SS)