Japan provides Rs. 3.7 b for development

The Government of Japan provided assistance amounting to Japanese Yen 2,678 million (approximately Rs. 3.7 billion) for four projects to meet urgent needs in sectors such as fisheries, roads and health.

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe told President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his recent visit to Japan, that Japan would continue cooperation for Sri Lanka's sustainable development.

Japanese Yen 988 million will be provided for the construction of a Grab Hopper dredger to meet the frequent demand for maintaining the operational depth of fishery harbours around the country to ensure uninterrupted access for fishing activities. The currently used Grab Hopper dredger was gifted by Japan in 1989 and needs to be replaced.

Japanese Yen 940 million was provided for the purchase and installation of Variable Message Sign (VMS) systems on expressways to improve traffic flow and minimise road hazards.

Japanese Yen 200 million was provided to procure machinery and apparatus, and electric and electronic equipment that are manufactured by Japanese small and medium enterprises for use in the health sector.