China EXIM bank to assist in development of Sri Lanka's north

The Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China has agreed to provide assistance to Sri Lanka for rebuilding the war-torn northern region in the country.

China EXIM Bank President Li Ruogu, who met Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, said he was ready to extend facilities for the reconstruction phase in the North and requested Sri Lanka to forward a list of projects based on priority for consideration, a foreign ministry statement said.
During his meeting with Mr. Li, Mr. Bogollagama appreciated the EXIM bank for its continued "generosity and goodwill" towards Sri Lanka by way of assistance extended to various development projects.
China EXIM Bank is funding projects such as the Puttalam Coal Power in the western Coast and the Hambantota Port project in the southern province.
"The Minister lauded the bank's "start early–finish soon" policy which facilitated the generation of early income thereby ushering in economic and political empowerment of the people," the ministry said.
Mr. Bogollagama also gave a detailed account of the need to construct a second international airport in the south of Sri Lanka and sought assistance from the Bank to make this project a reality. (Source: PTI)