US to rebuild tsunami hit infrastructure

US ambassador Jeffery Lunstead told journalists in Colombo that Sri Lanka government will be relieved of paying $40 million debt repayments in 2005. The loan will be rescheduled for repayment over the next four years, he said.

“Approximately $656 Million will be available for direct assistance to tsunami-affected countries,” Ambassador Lunstead said.

The ambassador also announced US-funded projects on rebuilding the tsunami hit infrastructures in Sri Lanka.

US $35 million will be spent on large scale infrastructure programmes including rebuilding Arugam Bay Bridge, rebuilding tsunami hit schools and three fisheries harbours in Hikkadua, Mirissa and Dondra, he said.

The US voiced support for proposed joint mechanism between the Sri Lanka government and the Tamil Tigers.

“We believe that a joint mechanism would greatly help in the effectiveness of the relief and reconstruction effort in the North and the East and we support the initiative, the efforts, of the President and the Government to finalize such a mechanism.”

More than 31,000 were killed and nearly a half a million were made homeless in Sri Lanka in the Asian tsunami.