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ADB President to Attend Tokyo Conference on Sri Lanka Assistance

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (6 June 2003) - The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Tadao Chino, will visit Japan to attend the Tokyo Conference on the Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka from 9 to 10 June.

Mr. Chino will reaffirm ADB's continued support for the reconstruction and development of Sri Lanka and the Bank's commitment to reduce poverty.

ADB, one of Sri Lanka's largest development partners, has stepped up assistance to northeastern Sri Lanka with the gradual return of peace to the area, as well as supporting development projects in the rest of the country.

ADB's program in Sri Lanka, which has averaged US$200 million annually in recent years, aims to reduce poverty and promote economic growth. Since the Government signed a ceasefire with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in February 2002, ADB has been flexible and proactive in implementing its program in the conflict-affected northeastern areas.

Last year, ADB's assistance program to Sri Lanka amounted to US$240 million, including US$4 million in technical assistance grants. This was the largest annual program since ADB began operations in Sri Lanka in 1968.

Sri Lanka is a founding member of ADB, which was established in 1966 and now has 61 members, including 44 from the region.

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