ADB's South Asia Head meets Minister Basil Rajapaksa

The new Director General of the Asian Development Bank's South Asia Regional Department Juan Miranda paid a courtesy call on Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa, to discuss the current status in relation to ADB's assistance programme to Sri Lanka, at the Ministry of Economic Development on June 26.

He was accompanied by Hans G Carlson, Lead Development Effectives Specialist and Ms. Rita O'sullivan, ADB's country director in Sri Lanka.

Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa with new Director General of the ADB’s South Asia Regional Department Juan Miranda.

Minister Rajapaksa said the Mahinda Rajapaksa government has initiated many development projects during the conflict and post conflict periods. Creating an environment for take - off of the economy and bringing normalcy in the conflict affected area were the aims of these projects.

Connecting the country with a good road network, facilitating passenger and freight movement through new airport and port facilities, generating energy through sustainable sources, expanding the accommodation and recreation facilities for tourist industry were among the development projects, he said.

The minister said: "Our economic strategy is 'people based economic development, to bring economic benefits to the common people'. "During the last seven years we initiated many development projects to improve the livelihood of the people. Gama Naguma - village reawaking programme, Divi Naguma - backyard economy development project, Maternity and child clinic improvement project, School sanitary development project are among the many.

"ADB and other donor agencies helped Sri Lanka to initiate many skills development programmes.

However Sri Lanka needs more projects to enhance the skills and know-how of the labour force to cater to the growing demand generated locally and internationally' the minister said.

Mr. Juan Miranda expressed confidence over Sri Lanka's fast improving economic condition in the post conflict period.

Despite all the adverse publicity created by some sectors Sri Lanka was able to win confidence globally as is evident from the booming tourism industry he said.

During the next 3 to 4 years ADB will provide Sri Lanka economic assistance amounting to over USD 2 billion he said.

He said government has implemented development projects in North - Eastern provinces funded by the ADB very successfully. ADB will help Sri Lanka to improve the present skills development programmes and initiate fresh programmes with state-of-the-art technologies to meet modern requirements.