The World Bank will continue to support the development of rural hospitals in Sri Lanka, the improvement of the primary health care sector as well as the development of the education sector, said Ms. Chio Kanda, World Bank Manager in charge of Sri Lanka and Maldives. She stated this at a meeting with the Minister of Public Service Provincial Councils and Local Government Hon. Janaka Bandara Thennakoon held at the Ministry today (09).

The World Bank has already secured funds for the development of a large number of regional hospitals in the country and the minister was informed that steps would be taken to develop rural hospitals such as Dambulla, Devahuwa and Galewela in the future. Representatives of the World Bank told the Minister that their organization is focused on introducing a health card system to the people of the country in the future. He added that this would enable the public to maintain an up-to-date information system on their health status.

The World Bank officials also told the Minister that the focus is on raising the standard of rural education and that the World Bank intends to use television as well as radio in this effort.

Representatives of the World Bank further stated that steps have been taken to implement an English education program targeting schools in which the majority of the students choose arts stream for Advanced Level.

Mr. J.J. Ratnasiri, Secretary of the Ministry and Mr. Mahinda Madihahewa, Adviser to the Minister were also present on the occasion.