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JFPR Series: Lessons from Sri Lanka - Infrastructure Maintenance to Reduce Rural Poverty

Remarks by
Ursula Schaefer-Preuss
Vice President, Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development
Asian Development Bank

24 April 2008
ADB Headquarters, Mandaluyong City

Dear guests,
Thank you. Good morning, everyone.

First of all, I thank you very much for the invitation. This is an excellent opportunity for me to get more detailed information on the work of JFPR on the ground in our partner countries and with the local communities. It is for me refreshing to open a meeting that is not about making new frameworks, plans, or strategies. It is refreshing because today we will talk about very concrete project outcomes, how to improve the lives of poor people.

It is not a large amount being involved ($900,000) compared to the "regular" projects being processed at ADB. But when viewed in terms of the lessons, the knowledge that we can draw and apply to other projects, this project in North Western Sri Lanka may give a big impact.

Allow me for a moment to bring your attention to the recently approved Long Term Strategic Framework (LTSF). The LTSF says that ADB needs to focus on inclusive growth -- fostering high, sustainable growth combined with broader access also for poor people living in small communities to the expanded economic opportunities. I quote: "The region must promote greater access to opportunities by expanding human capacities, especially for the disadvantaged, through investments in education, health, and basic social protection. It must also improve the poor's access to markets and basic productive assets by putting in place sound policies and institutions. Finally, social safety nets must be strengthened to prevent extreme deprivation."

It is a veritable inventory of projects that JFPR has been supporting over the years. Through physical investments it provides and social capital it creates within poor communities, and the lessons that it generates for broader engagement with the poor and disadvantaged, JFPR is indeed and very much at the heart of ADB's long-term strategy.

JFPR has been a valuable resource to ADB over the last eight years, and it will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. I would like to thank the Government of Japan on behalf of ADB's Senior Management for its strong commitment to assist the region's poorest and most vulnerable in the framework of this important facility. Not only does it help the poor, it also teaches us how to help the poor better. It encourages our staff to innovate; to try new approaches, create new knowledge, to learn.

Again, I wish to thank Alternate Executive Director Mr. Mizuno and the Japanese Government for this valuable assistance. I congratulate the Office of Cofinancing Operations, the South Asia Regional Department, and the Sri Lanka Resident Mission for this joint initiative.

Thank you.