Media Release Public Communications Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic Building Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has become a source of development assistance to the other developing countries. This has been highlighted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), in its report to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York last week. Their statement was made to the 2nd Committee during the debate on South-South Cooperation at the 64th Session of the General Assembly on 14th October 09.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The UNIDO informed that ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Chinese and Sri Lankan technologies and solutions in hydro-power are used to provide access to energy in several African countriesƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚. The UNIDO statement underscores Sri LankaƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s capability to assist other developing countries in achieving sustainable and affordable energy from natural sources, particularly hydro-power. There are several niche areas, where Sri Lanka can share knowledge and expertise with the other developing countries and vise-versa.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ South-South Cooperation has attracted increased attention in the recent past. The United Nations has established a Special Unit for South-South Cooperation in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York. A series of events are organised in Washington DC at the World Bank Mission Complex from 14th to 17th December, 2009 to commemorate the Annual United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation. A website containing the participation information has been created at www.southsouthexpo.org .

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York