Three agreements were signed today(16th) between Sri Lanka and European Union on financial grant worth of 43.7 million euro and technical assistance.
Signing of these agreements took place at the Ministry of Finance led by the Finance Minister, Mr. Ravi Karunanayake and the Commissioner, European Union Mr. Neven Mimica. Agreement on “Assistance for Integrated Rural Development Programme for Most Backward Districts in Central and Uwa Provinces of Sri Lanka” was signed and grant of 30 million euro is to be given for this programme
In this occasion agreement for granting 8 million euro on “Programme for Trade Assistance in Sri Lanka” was also signed.
In addition another agreement on providing technical assistance worth of 5.7 million euro for the National Water Resources and Drainage Board was signed.
Dr. R.H.S. Samarathunghe, Secretary, Ministry of Finance signed on behalf of Sri Lanka while Mr. Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for international cooperation and development signed on behalf of the European Union for two financial agreements, “Assistance for Integrated Rural Development Programme for Most Backward Districts in Central and Uwa Provinces of Sri Lanka” ” and “Programme for Trade Assistance in Sri Lanka”.
Mr. Nicolas Fornage, South Asian Regional Director, French Development Agency (AFD) and Dr. R.H.S. Samarathunghe, Secretary, Ministry of Finance signed for the agreement for technical assistance programme.
Finance Minister, Mr. Ravi Karunanayake briefed after signing the agreements,
“I really delighted as the Finance Minister that the European Union has return to our assistance and Sri Lanka sensed the loss of European Union for the last 10 years. At present Sri Lanka has faced two problems, one is internal problem and the other is effect of global economic crisis. We have to manage internal problems ourselves, and collaboration of groups such as European Union is essential to face the problems which are beyond the control and therefore we highly appreciate the support extended by you. We expect your assistance in obtaining GSP + to Sri Lanka. People of Sri Lanka were away from development process for 30 years and now we have come into the correct path under the direction of President, Maithreepala Sirisena and Prime Minister, Ranil Wickramasinghe. As the country it is our pleasure that now we receive grants but not the loans.
Mr. Neven Mimica, Commissioner, European Union expressed their willingness to be a trustworthy partner of Sri Lanka.
” For the past 20 years we rendered our assistance to people distressed by the war as well as tsunami. We have decided to increase our assistance double fold during 2014- 2020. Accordingly we hope to provide grant of 210 million euro and technical assistance during this period. we are pleased with the good governance and reconciliation programme implemented in the country and therefore European Union is prepared to be a trustworthy partner of Sri Lanka”.
Mr. Jean Marin Schuh, France Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Paul Godfrey, European Union Ambassador (actg.) and several other higher level officials of EU participated for this occasion.