During a meeting with Minister of Urban Development, Water Supply and Drainage Rauff Hakeem Friday (06) Japanese Ambassador in Colombo Nobuhitho Hobo pledged assistance to Sri Lanka's city development projects.

The Minister held lengthy discussions with the Japanese Ambassador focusing on the urban development and water supply and drainage issues in the island. They discussed the existing projects in the country and the contribution made by Japan for these projects.

Lack of safe drinking water is leading to increase health problems in the country, especially renal diseases, as experienced in the agricultural areas since the ground water sources are contaminated with agro chemicals by the large-scale use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Currently the National Water Supply and Drainage Board supervise the water supply only to Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara in Western Province, but in other districts people have to rely on ground sources for their water needs.

Minister Hakeem also requested the Japanese Ambassador to provide assistance in developing small towns under a new plan.

Japan has agreed to provide assistance to determine solutions to the heavy traffic congestion in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo and to set up parking lots with modern facilities. (PRIU)