Top donors draw focus from cash to conflict and governance, at Sri Lanka aid parley

January 29 (LBO) – Sri Lanka's top donors steered the focus of an annual aid review from cash to solving the internal conflict, giving relief to affected people and improving governance and human rights. "No amount of development assistance by the US or any other donor can have any lasting impact however, without finding a permanent solution to the conflict which has plagued Sri Lanka for over 25 years," US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake said.

The United States, with Japan and World Bank, underwrote an aid package as 'co-chairs', when Sri Lanka government singed a peace deal with the Tamil Tigers in 2002.

Governance

The United Nations said a 10-year development strategy presented by the government did not spell out ways to improve governance, tackle corruption and improve rule of law.

"Sooner or later it felt Governance reform is a key factor in fostering peace, economic growth, pro poor development, should be visibly integrated through out the development plan," UN co-coordinator for Sri Lanka, Frederick Lyons said.

"Key governance issues such as the rule of law, corruption, human rights, access to justice, transparency, the accountability of public service deliver