Rs. 1.47 b grant assistance from Japan for development projects

The Government of Japan has agreed to provide Rs. 1,472 million (approximately Japanese Yen 1,022 million) to implement the following projects in order to strengthen the quality of the sectors: education, health, water supply and construction which have been  identified as priority areas by the Economic Policy Framework of the Government of Sri Lanka. These grants are administrated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Grant Assistants of Rs. 982 million for rehabilitation activities of the Kilinochchi Water Supply Project:

The water supply scheme existed in Kilinochchi town was devastated by terrorist during the prevailed conflict period. Therefore, the people who are living in Kilinochchi district fulfilled their all water requirements through the water collected in water tanks. Due to the usage of this unhealthy water, the risk of spreading waterborne diseases has been increased. Considering the situation, the Government has identified the necessity of the rehabilitating the Kilinochchi Water Supply Scheme and has made a decision to obtain a grant of Rs. 982 million from the Grant Assistant Program of the Government of Japan.
A water treatment plant in Kilinochchi town and two water towers in Kilinochcchi and Paranthan with a capacity of 1000 m3 and 450m3 respectively, will be constructed by using this grant assistant. In addition, a distribution pipeline will be constructed covering approximately 42km in length to connect more than 1,500 households in the areas of Paranthan and Irana Madu in Kilinochchi district.
Accordingly, the project will meet the increasing demand of non domestic water with construction of many government offices including agricultural enhancement support centres, vocational training centres and private institutes, religious places as well as emerging industries that are being built in Kilinochchi area consequent the end of conflict situation as well as the domestic water demand of more than 20,000 people in 14 Grama Niladri divisions in Kilinochchi District.
A Grant of Rs. 420 million to procure technical equipment manufactured in Japan:  
With the purpose of contributing towards the economic and social development process in Sri Lanka, the Government has made a decision to obtain a grant of Rs. 420 million to procure high quality technical equipment manufactured in Japan under the Non – Project Grant Assistance Program of Government of Japan. It is expected to procure medical equipment, water purification equipment and excavators by utilising this grant.
Accordingly, it is intended to provide these medical equipment to the teaching and secondary hospitals, governed by the ministry of Health and Provincial Councils as well as to medical research institutions with a view to provide high modern and quality health facilities for the people and to improve existing curative care services.
Also, the water purification equipment which are to be procured using this grant assistant will be commissioned in identified areas by the Ministry of Water supply and drainage and the water supply and drainage Board, with the purpose of facilitating to the access safe drinking water for people who are living in water scare areas and the areas affected by disasters as well as for health clinics held in those areas.
In addition, it is expected to be procured the high quality excavators manufactured in Japan with the purpose of improving the existing road system to access to remote and lagging regions. These excavators will be used to construct provincial and rural roads development activities which are being implemented by the Road Development Authority.
A Grant of Rs. 70 million to uplift the Japanese Language Education equipment in Kelaniya and Sabaragamuwa Universities
With the purpose of producing professionally graduates enabling them to face global competitiveness by recognising the present and future requirements existing within the field of education, the Government has obtained a grant of Rs. 70 million under the Cultural Grant Aid Program of the Government of Japan:  
Under this project, two language laboratories with fully pledged modern facilities will be established in Kelaniya and Sabaragamuwa Universities. These laboratories will provide necessary technical assistance to carry out study programs, teacher training programs and produce audio and video lessons materials more efficiently and effectively.
Accordingly, those who are studying foreign languages will have an opportunity to continue their educational activities by ensuring the quality and higher standards in their education and also, graduates who studied foreign language will have the employment opportunities in country as well as foreign countries in the fields of tourist and hospitality.
The signing of Exchange of Notes pertaining to the above grants took place yesterday, at the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka Nobuhito Hobo signed the Exchange of Notes on behalf of the Government of Japan while Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning P.B Jayasundera singed on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Three grant Agreements were also signed between Government of Sri Lanka and JICA, P B Jayasundera, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning and Takuya Otsuka, Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and JICA respectively.