Lanka optimistic on ADB grant
by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is reviewing the request made by the
Sri Lankan government for support from the Bank's Counter cyclical
Support Facility (CSF) set up to help developing member countries hit by
global recession.
ADB Country Director Sri Lanka Resident Mission, Richard Vokes said
the ADB has additional funds but whether they could be granted
immediately to Sri Lanka is yet to be discussed.
"The ADB's program in Sri Lanka is focused on infrastructure
development. The bank will support the acceleration of reconstruction
and rehabilitation activities in the Northern and Eastern provinces",
Vokes said.
The bank is expecting to support projects that were identified for
rehabilitation and reconstruction in the conflict affected areas.
Vokes said, funds will be utilised for road development, water
supply, power sector and improvement of healthcare facilities in the
liberated areas. These components will be included in other national
projects.
ADB proposed lending Sri Lanka a sum of US$ 200 to Us$ 300 million
following the bank's general capital increase early this year.
The Southern Expressway and the Colombo South Harbour Expansion
projects are ADB funded projects.
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