China Exim Bank assures assistance to Sri Lanka in the Reconstruction Phase

(July 08, Beijing, Sri Lanka Guardian) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, held discussions with the President of the Export- Import (EXIM) Bank of China, Li Ruogu recently in Beijing during his official visit to China. Emphasizing the importance of his discussion with Mr. Li Ruogu, the Minister at the very outset expressed his appreciation to the EXIM bank for the continued generosity and goodwill towards Sri Lanka by way of assistance extended to various Development Projects.

Minister Bogollagama noted that the Bank funded projects such as the Puttalam Coal Power and the Hambantota Port projects were a value addition to Sri Lanka economy linking transportation network, infrastructure development efforts and the power generation projects undertaken as a whole. Commenting on the progress of the work of Performing Arts Theatre he noted it is a landmark project, signifying the friendship between the two countries. The Foreign Minister lauded the approach of the Bank, “start early – finish soon” policy which facilitated the generation of early income thereby ushering in economic & political empowerment of the people. Discussing the post conflict road to economic recovery, Minister gave a detailed account of the need to construct a second international airport in the south of Sri Lanka and sought assistance from the Bank to make this project a reality. He reiterated that tourism was one of the foremost sectors that could expeditiously be promoted in the economic empowerment of the people. In this connection he noted that although Sri Lanka was naturally endowed with a beautiful landscape there was a great need to provide better connectivity for internal travel. While emphasizing that Colombo – Katunayke express way will be a tremendous boost in this respect he noted that the lack of a second airport was a big lacuna.

Mr. Ruogu whilst warmly welcoming the Minister congratulated Sri Lanka on her successful countering of terrorism. Mr. Ruogu emphasized that development was a key issue to countering any form of insurgencies in a country. Recalling the historical friendly ties shared by the two countries, he said the Bank was keen on assisting Sri Lanka particularly in this current juncture to achieve stability and sustainability. Mr. Ruogu was ready to extend facilities for the reconstruction phase in the North and requested Sri Lanka to forward a list of projects based on priority for consideration.

-Sri Lanka Guardian