The aid was given to meet Sri Lanka's development goals over five years

In a statement issued by the United Nations Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Co-ordinator in Sri Lanka, the UN said the funds were allocated for Sri Lanka government efforts to meet development goals over five years.

Speaking after the first joint annual review of the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) UN Resident/ Humanitarian Coordinator Neil Buhne said:

“This process integrates the UN’s development activities so that we can best help as a ream of partners to bring the fruits of development to all Sri Lankans”.

'Synchronised approach'

Sumith Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance who attended the event underscored the importance of the UN support.

Mr. Abeysinghe has expressed the commitment of Sri Lanka government to the implementation of UNDAF programme.

“I believe that progress has been seen in the areas of cooperation in 2008 as a result of the fruitful collaboration between government partners at local level with various UN agencies,” he said.

The funds were allocated to meets the targets of Millennium Development Goals and the National Development Plan.