Sri Lanka gets World Bank loan to strengthen local govt. services
The International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank has provided a loan of US$ 70 million to strengthen the services provided by 134 local authorities in the Northern, Eastern, North Central and Uva Provinces under the Local Development Support Project (LDSP).
The signing of this loan agreement took place yesterday at the Finance Ministry.
Treasury Secretary Dr. R.H.S Samaratunga signed the loan agreement on behalf of the Sri Lankan government, while World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives Idah.Z.Ps war ayi rid di hough signed on behalf of the World Bank.
This development support project is designed to strengthen local authorities’ capabilities to deliver services to communities in a responsive and accountable manner and to support economic infrastructure development in participating provinces by strengthening Local Government planning systems, services and economic infrastructure and institutional development etc.
The total estimated cost of the project is approximately US$ 100 million. The government is expected to contribute US$ 7 million and the balance US$ 23 million is expected to be financed by the European Union as a grant.
The overall responsibility of the implementation of this project lies with the Provincial Councils, Local Government and Sports Ministry.