Government submits estimates to donor countries

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 11 January 2005, 14:46 GMT]
Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has submitted a special report to donor countries outlining plans and estimates for tsunami relief work. The report's estimated total for tsunami relief work is Rs. 1.5 billion. Report was prepared by the Department of National Planning within the ministry of Finance and Planning.

"Information has been disclosed in the report with a view to obtaining aid at Ministry level" official sources said.

"Largest amount of aid has been requested for construction of houses and new towns. The estimated cost for this is around US$ 400 million. The government hopes to construct 12 large towns, 20 medium-sized towns and 30 small towns through the Urban Development ministry. Among other plans are playgrounds and office complexes."

"The proposal also allocates US$75 million for the Education ministry headed by ministry secretary Dr. Tara de Mel. The government has asked donor countries for US$80 million for housing complexes to be built by the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ministry for the fishing folks. The objective is to construct 110,000 houses for 400,000 fishing families."

"Report also sets out a plan to start the Inginiyagala Hydropower project under the Energy Ministry to supply electricity to tsunami-affected areas in the East. The amount requested for the Post and Telecommunication ministry and Upcountry Development ministry is US$30 million. This plans to provide 120,000 new wireless telephone connections for the Hampanthodda, Matara, Galle, Kaluthra, Colombo, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Mullaithivu, Jaffna, Chilaw, Negombo and Panadura areas" official sources added