News
ADB funds water reforms project
Sri Lanka has received USD 200 mn loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to implement a water management programme, the Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Ministry announced yesterday (05).
This was announced following a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat with the participation of a visiting ADB delegation.
In terms of the agreement with the ADB, the following challenges would be addressed:
a) A new water resources policy to effectively manage the country’s water resources;
b) The establishment of a corporate strategy for the Water Board;
c) A climate resilience roadmap;
d) A new tariff policy;
e) Modern water safety standards;
f) The creation of an environmental and social unit, within the Water Board; and
g) The introduction of public-private partnerships in the water supply sector.
A senior official said that the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development-led water reforms represented the most ambitious set of reforms undertaken in the water sector, since the establishment of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board nearly 50 years ago.
These comprehensive reforms were meant to transform the water sector and ensure sustainable water management for future generations, the official said.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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