France for Rajarata!

• French Agency for Development extends Rs. 8 b supports for its first integrated urban development project in Anuradhapura 

The French Agency for Development (AFD) has recently approved a 52 million euro (around Rs. 8 billion) loan to Sri Lanka to finance the Anuradhapura Integrated Urban Development Project.

The financing agreement was signed on Thursday by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga and AFD Country Director Martin Parent, in the presence of Ambassador of France for Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jean-Marin Schuh, at the Ministry of Finance.

Anuradhapura, which belongs to the ‘Cultural Triangle’ of Sri Lanka, holds a special significance due to its archaeological specialty and the number of sacred places of Buddhist worship found therein. At the same time, it is the economic and administrative hub of the North Central Province and is a destination which has gained the attraction of both local and foreign tourists.

The project is a part of the Strategic Cities Development Program (SCDP) within the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development and will develop a more integrated approach to urban planning while preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the sacred city.

The Agence Francaise De Developpment (AFD) has identified multiple priorities such as water management, integrated urban mobility and the valorisation of the heritage in the Anuradhapura project includes financing a new urban infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

The improvement of the city water drainage system, provision of public transport facilities, traffic management and the enhancement of public space are anticipated to be carried out through this project.