The Visiting UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP’s Regional Director Haoliang Xu, had discussions with the Deputy Minister of Policy Planning and Economic Affairs, Dr. Harsha de Silva on Monday (6).

The discussions revolved around potential areas of new support to the agencies under the new Ministry. 

At the meeting Xu informed the Deputy Minister that the UN and UNDP in particular would be ready to extend support to developing country specific development indicators that will contribute to the post-2015 development agenda.

During the visit, which is his second visit to the island, Xu has met and exchanged views with high-level Government officials, development partners and the civil society on learning more about the emerging development needs and expectations of Sri Lanka in a new political environment whilst ascertaining the future direction of UNDP support along with other members of the UN family, in particular strengthening UNDP’s role as a key development partner in Sri Lanka.
 
Further, Xu will also undertake a visit to North Central and Northern provinces, where he will meet with Government officials, representatives from Community Based Organizations and beneficiaries and gain a first-hand understanding of the development priorities in the districts and further support needs.