A delegation of NEDA comprising Mr. Rappipat Promnart, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau & Mr. Wasit Anuntavichien, Policy and Planning Analyst of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Agency (NEDA) visited Sri Lanka during April 09 -10, 2024. The delegation who arrived at the request of ERD, met Mr. Ajith Abeysekera, Director General, Department of External Resources (ERD) and other Treasury Officials on the 09th of April, 2024. This meeting was a stepping stone to embark on a promising future collaboration between Thailand and Sri Lanka in terms of development cooperation.
Commenting on the longstanding cultural ties between Thailand Sri Lanka, the Director General of ERD, welcomed the NEDA’s Technical & Financial Assistance. Further, the Director General, mentioned about the potential NEDA support for the Sri Lanka’s proposed Public Debt Management Office (PDMO). Mr. Rappipat Promnart, Director of Policy and Planning Bureau warmly welcomed the proposal and invited around 20 officials from the potential officers who will be engaged in working with the proposed PDMO, to visit Thailand Debt Management Office during October/ November. Moreover, the delegation expressed their willingness to extend soft loans with indicative terms and conditions to priority sectors in Sri Lanka. The Department of External Resources pointed out the necessity to have further discussion on the proposed terms and conditions of the loans, such as procurement of at least 50% of goods and services from the Thailand and also highlighted the present challenges emanating from the ongoing debt restructuring process of Sri Lanka.
Further, ERD emphasized the importance of obtaining NEDA support in terms of investment & projects in the PPP modality. It was agreed to discuss these matters in depth in the coming months. Additionally, Director General of Department of National Planning explained the strategic direction of public investments in Sri Lanka. Last but not least, DG, ERD reiterated the importance of continuing these partnership and the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to foster and sustain such relationships which will derive mutual benefits for both parties.
Further, Government of Sri Lanka is closely working with the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) at present with regard to the Two Year Implementation Plan between Thailand and Sri Lanka for 2023 – 2024 for the priority sectors such as Community Based Tourism, small industries development, marine ornamental fish breeding and capacity building programmes for Government officials in Sri Lanka.
Department of External Resources
Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies
Colombo 01
On April 10, 2024.