Lanka: Japan provides Rs. 3,165-mn fund

Sri Lanka: The Government of Japan has provided a grant of 3,103 million Japanese Yen (approximately Rs. 3,165 million) for the implementation of two projects, under its Grant Aid Programme.

Out of this amount, 1,803 mn Japanese Yen is provided for improvement of curative healthcare facilities at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital which is the main hospital in the region and the third largest hospital in Sri Lanka.

It is expected to construct a new three storied building with a floor area of around 7,500 square meters to house the Obstetric Gynaecology Operation Theatre, Paediatric Unit (Intensive Care Unit) and Outdoor Patients Department (OPD) with all necessary equipment, under this project.

The Government of Japan has already provided a grant of 104 million Japanese Yen in February this year to prepare detailed designs of the new building. The detailed design is scheduled to be completed by July 2008.

The balance grant of 1,300 mn Japanese Yen is provided under the General Non-Project Grant Aid Programme of Japan, which is for the purpose of facilitating the sustainable economic development initiatives of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Government of Japan has been providing assistance under this scheme annually to Sri Lanka since 2003 and this is the fourth such grant. The grant will be used to import goods and materials necessary for implementation of development projects.