The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will continue its financial and technical assistance to Sri Lanka without interruption, stated Mr. HARA Shohei, Senior Vice President of JICA.
This assurance was revealed during a meeting held today (07) at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and Mr. HARA Shohei.
During the discussion, attention was drawn to the on-going development work at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, which is being carried out under Japanese aid.
It was highlighted that all projects initiated in Sri Lanka under JICA support are planned to be expedited and completed efficiently.
Mr. HARA Shohei also reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to extending financial support to Sri Lanka in the future, similar to the assistance provided during the country’s debt restructuring process He emphasized that JICA is ready to provide financial and technical assistance for the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme and other initiatives.
Additionally, JICA expressed interest in supporting Sri Lanka in reforming its transport system and enhancing urban cleanliness through financial and logistical aid.
Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Akio Isomata, First Secretary, Head of Economic Cooperation Mr.Kenji Ohashi, Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka Mr.Tetsuya Yamada, Senior Representative, JICA Sri Lanka Ms. Yuri Ide, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake also participated in the discussions.
Showers have been predicted at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces today (June 16), according to the Department of Meteorology.
Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.
A few showers may occur in the Northern province and in the Anuradhapura district as well.
Strong winds of about 40-50kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Northwestern provinces and in the Trincomalee district.
The general public has also been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds.
Moratuwa Police launched an investigation after a 19-year-old youth had died after an electric elevator at a hotel collapsed on June 14.
The deceased is a resident of Arukgoda in Panadura, and was an employee at the Bolgoda Hotel in Moratuwa.
According to reports, the elevator, which was reportedly designated solely for the use of hotel employees, had given away when the youth was inside, injuring him critically. He was rushed to the Panadura Base Hospital but was pronounced dead upon admission.
The management of the hotel has lodged a complaint with the Moratuwa Police regarding the incident. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the elevator collapse.