Japan grants Rs3.3 bln to meet Sri Lanka’s fishing, healthcare needs

Japan has provided a grant of Rs.3.3 billion to Sri Lanka under its Economic and Social Development Programme this year.

Sri Lanka and Japan on Tuesday signed the Exchange of Notes pertaining to the grant assistance amounting to Japanese Yen 1,600 million (approximately Rs.3.3 billion) to be provided under this programme.

The Government of Japan, as one of Sri Lanka’s main development partners, provides concessional loans and various grant aid schemes such as the Economic and Social Development Programs, Technical Cooperation, Research Partnerships, Development Studies, and non-project grant aid.

The aim is to improve the socio-economic status by strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the present economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the government of Japan has extended its cooperation by providing required immediate humanitarian assistance for the affected community as well as by equipping the public sector, aiming to improve the socioeconomic situation in the country.

This Japanese grant is for the requirements of diversified fields namely marine environment, fishing, health care, and vocational training in the country, the Finance Ministry announced.  

The Exchange of Notes pertaining to the above grant were signed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, K.M. Mahinda Siriwardana, on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka, MIZUKOSHI Hideaki on behalf of the Government of Japan.(Bandula)