Exchange of Notes concerning Grant Aid to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for Project for Construction of New Mannar Bridge and Improvement of Causeway

May 23, 2007

The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grant aid up to 1,836 million yen to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the Project for Construction of New Mannar Bridge and Improvement of Causeway. Notes to this effect were exchanged on May 23 (Wed) (May 23 (Wed) local time) in Colombo between Mr. Kiyoshi Araki, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning of Sri Lanka.
The outline of the project is as follows:

(1) What is this project about?

This project is intended to extend a grant aid for Sri Lanka to construct a bridge and improve a causeway connecting Mannar Island in Mannar District in the Northern Province and the mainland.

(2) Why is this project needed?

The local government, hospitals, schools and other important facilities are concentrated in Mannar Island, which occupies less than 7% of Mannar District. The existing bridge and causeway are old and damaged severely. The Government of Sri Lanka has therefore requested grant assistance from Japan.

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