ADB funded projects in N-E to continue

Hiran H. Senewiratne

DEVELOPMENT DRIVE: Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Director General, South Asia Regional Department Kunio Senga said they would continue to fund development projects in the North and East despite the uncertainty in those areas.

Senga said the ADB has to make sure that every single project is functioning in a proper manner and also closely monitor them.

'There is no cancellation of any single on going development projects in the North and East.

We always give priority for North and East development projects like the Coastal Development project and the Jaffna Water Supply project', Senga said that all projects that are funded by the ADB in the North and East have made slow progress due to the on-going war situation in those areas.

A high level mission headed by Senga spent two days of intense discussion with the Government looking at concrete measures to improve ADB's funding portfolio.

'ADB recognises the importance of ensuring assistance to all parts of the country. We have on going rehabilitation projects in the North and East as well as our tsunami reconstruction projects in these areas'.

He said that they are concerned about the recent intensification in the conflict. In the absence of peace and a conducive environment, it is challenging to implement projects and difficult to prepare for new ones.

"We sincerely hope that the situation stabilises and we call on all parties to make credible efforts towards cessation of hostilities and peace. We will continue to monitor the situation and work together with the Government and other development partners," he said.

Senga said their observation on the utilisation of foreign funds is above the average level but not satisfactory, but the ADB is pleased with the Government's commitment towards implementing ongoing development projects.

The ADB willing to fund those projects in the future. ADB's commitment is a long-term development partner in Sri Lanka and remains fully committed to helping the country achieve its development goals.

'We hope to achieve this by working closely with the Government and other development partners in Sri Lanka,' Senga said.