Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Urban Development and Water Supply met the Senior Officials of the World Bank on January 3rd at the World Bank Head Quarters in Washington DC.

During the visit, Minister Gunawardena met Ms. Katherine Seirra, Vice President Infrastructure and representatives of the World Bank, and discussed the possibility of getting more assistance to support the Post Tsunami rehabilitation program in Sri Lanka.

Hon. Minister discussed the possibility of immediate assistance for rebuild the water supply system in the affected areas as the water supply to the coastal areas were completely washed away by Tsunami tragedy. He further said that the water supply to Kinniya off Trincomalee was completely disrupted and needs urgent assistance.

The World Bank Officials expressed their profound sorrow on this disaster and assured their continued support to the efforts of the Government to rebuild the nation. They further pointed out that funds can be borrowed from the World Bank’s other portfolios for immediate release to areas which need urgent attention. The World Bank has already allocated US$ 100 Million for the areas affected by this disaster.

The representatives of the World Bank mentioned that a team of World Bank Officials will leave for Colombo on Friday to assess the situation.

Ambassador H.K.J.R. Bandara, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Sri Lanka and Mrs. Ameena Shafi Mohin, Second Secretary (Com & Econ) were also present at the discussions.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC

03 January 2005