JICA pledges more support

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) officers agreed to provide assistance to expand the facilities of Katunayaka Bandaranaika International Airport, improve the electricity transmission and develop the four base hospitals in rural areas.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa with Senior Adviser to JICA Professor Yoshimasa Suenobu

This was discussed when a high profile delegation led by Senior Adviser to JICA Professor Yoshimasa Suenobu met Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Tuesday at the Economic Development Ministry.

Founded in 1974, JICA implements technical assistance programmes on behalf of the Japanese government in 165 countries throughout the world. JICA's technical assistance to Sri Lanka covers a wide-range of sectors including health, education, transport, energy, agriculture, fisheries, small and medium-scale industries, and community development.

Japan was the major donor who provided development assistance to Sri Lanka during the last four decades. Development cooperation included funding for Sri Lanka's major development projects, technical assistance and training, and skills development assistance. JICA coordinated most of the Economic and Technical Cooperation Programme. Minister Rajapaksa and JICA representatives reviewed the progress of JICA assisted programmes such as roads and bridges construction programme, livelihood development programmes, tank development projects in the Northern Province, tourism development projects and the second phase of the Colombo Outer Circular Highway project.

The minister extended gratitude to JICA for the valuable support rendered for the sea cucumber cultivation pilot project in Navanthurai in the Jaffana district. Sea cucumber farming pilot project was implemented by the Project for Development Planning for the Rapid Promotion of Reconstruction and Development in the Jaffna district with the assistance of JICA to generate extra income for the coastal people in Jaffna.

The minister stated that sea cucumbers fetch good prices in the global market. Therefore, sea cucumber cultivation should be developed as a commercially viable venture. It will be a valuable source of income for coastal communities.

Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo and JICA officials also participated in the discussion.