Japan to Continue Cooperation with Sri Lanka

The Government of Japan provided grant assistance amounting to Japanese Yen 2,678 million (approximately Rs. 3.7 billion) towards the following four projects for meeting the urgent needs in sectors such as; fisheries, roads and health. This assistance was conveyed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Summit Meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during his visit to Japan on 12-15 March as a part of his intention to continue cooperation for Sri Lanka’s sustainable development.

1. Project for Construction of a Dredger: 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 in order to ensure uninterrupted access for fishing activities. The currently used Grab Hopper dredger was gifted by Japan in 1989 and needs to be replaced due to frequent repairs.
2. Project for Development of Intelligent Transport System for Expressways in Sri Lanka: Japanese Yen 940 million was provided for purchase and installation of Variable Message Sign (VMS) systems on expressways for efficient traffic management aimed at improving traffic flow and minimizing road hazards.
3. Non-Project Grant Aid for Provision of Japanese SME’s Products (2012): Japanese Yen 200 million was provided under this scheme for procuring machinery/apparatus, as well as electric/electronic equipment that are manufactured by Japanese small and medium enterprises for use in the health sector of Sri Lanka.
4. Non-Project Grant Aid for Provision of Japanese Medical Equipment – Japanese Yen 550 million will be provided under this scheme for procuring a range of medical equipment manufactured in Japan for improving Sri Lanka’s curative health care services and providing the people with access to modern health care services in the country.

The People and the Government of Japan sincerely hope that these projects will immensely benefit the people, and thereby facilitate Sri Lanka’s socio-economic development. The signing of the Exchange of Notes took place today between Nobuhito Hobo, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka and Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Planning. The signing of the Grant Agreement took place between Harumi Ao, Chief Representative of JICA, Sri Lanka office and Dr. P.B. Jayasundera.

Press Release, March 18, 2013