Lanka ready to recover

 

Removal of debris and reconstructions started immediately.
The government with the assurance of substantial international aid in the form of immediate relief, funds for reconstruction and debt relief is now ready to implement a long-term strategy to help the nation recover from the destruction caused by the Tsunami.
The United Nations led consortium has already committed over US$ 800 million for relief and rehabilitation while the donor countries and agencies have pledged sufficient funds to meet the US$ 1.5 - 1.8 million required for reconstruction.
The Paris Club of creditor nations has decided to provide debt relief for Sri Lanka which owes them over US$ 9 billion.
The Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B Jayasundare following his return from Geneva told the media yesterday that together with the donor agencies the Government will ensure the proper use of the available funds.
"We will have to develop a unified procurement system and utilize our institutional capacity to efficiently implement our action plans," Jayasundare said. He said the donors are working with the government to identify the key areas of development in the affected areas.
 
 
 
  The Director of Task Force to Rebuild the Nation, Mano Tittawella said that the infrastructure development in the affected areas will also include project planned prior to the Tsunami such as the Southern Highway.
"Our aim is not merely to replace the destroyed infrastructure," he said.
The Secretary General of the Government Peace Secretariat Dr. Jayantha Dhanapala said the Tsunami has distanced the prospects of war and both the Government and the LTTE feel the need for peace and to activate peace negotiations.
Dr. Dhanapala said the Government and LTTE Peace Secretariats are in regular contact and are effectively coordinating relief activities. "The LTTE has shown remarkable efficiency in relief operations in the affected areas of North and East.
The cooperation between government and LTTE is growing to the extent that the government has included representatives from LTTE to district level Task Forces," Dhanapala said.
He said the cost of damage in the tourism industry is estimated at US $ 200 million.
However, several hotels have already re-opened and hoteliers expect that 3,000 of the 4,000 affected rooms will be operational within three months.