Issuing a media release recently, the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda stated that countries such as India, China, and Japan have come forward to provide more than 4900 million rupees of financial assistance for the development of Northern Province and we should utilize this money for development of North in a proper manner.
Expressing further views, the Minister has stated that in a situation where our country is facing an economic crisis, the Government under the leadership of the president took the correct decision and as a result, the country has become normal by now. Due to the favourable diplomatic relations maintained with foreign countries, the Chinese Republic has consented to provide 1500 million rupees for the development of the Northern Province. The Minister also said that out of this amount, 500 million rupees will be spent on housing projects, 500 million rupees will be spent to provide relief for people and the balance of 500 million rupees will be spent to provide nets and other accessories to fishermen. The Minister has stated that he believes the agreement for this grant will be signed during the visit of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane to China on the 22nd of March.
The Minister has further stated that the Government of India has consented to grant 3000 million rupees, and this money will be provided for marine research activities and the culture of fish in large-scale cages. In the meantime, the Japanese government also has agreed to provide 415 million rupees, and all this money should be used for the benefit of the country as well as the people in a proper manner.
