Substantial aid for H’tota under Development Cooperation - Norwegian Ambassador

Raja Waidyasekera - Tissamaharama special correspondent

TISSAMAHARAMA: Hambantota district will continue to receive substantial aid under the Norwegian Development Co operation program to promote private sector development, said Norwegian Ambassador Hans Brattskar. He was addressing a Press Conference at the Hambantota District Chamber of Commerce Auditorium recently.

He said that for the past twenty years Norway through NORAD funded the Hambantota Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP). In 2006 Norway’s total development cooperation to Sri Lanka amounted to almost Rs. 4 billion.

The Ambassador said that of the long term assistance provided around sixty four percent went to the South and the country as a whole and thirty six percent to the North and East.

The Norwegian Ambassador stressed economic development is one of the priority areas for Norwegian development cooperation. In 2006 Norway has provided funding to a broad range of projects including support to small and medium enterprises and to investments in improved infrastructure.

He said Norway has together with its partners brought about more environmental friendly and efficient production methods in the industrial sector, increased living standards for women and their families through micro credit schemes and improved housing conditions for people in the plantation sector.

The Ambassador said, a matchmaking programme facilitating cooperation between Sri Lankan and Norwegian firms resulted in a number of joint ventures. Moreover a Coastal Management Plan for Hambantota was prepared with Norwegian assistance.

“Norway has continued its support for the tsunami affected population in the South East and North in 2006. “The main focus has been on enhancing job opportunities in addition to reconstructing schools, religious buildings, and permanent houses.

“In total Norway committed over Rs. 6 billion to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in Sri Lanka, for 2005 - 2007. Moreover substantial amounts have been provided as a result of private donations from Norway. “Support has also been extended to several Civil Society Organisations throughout the country including theatres and other organisations promoting culture to the general public.”

The Norwegian Ambassador concluded saying that Norwegian development cooperation to Sri Lanka will continue at the same level in 2007.