UN Assistant Secretary-General to visit Sri Lanka

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Chairman of the United Nations Development Group Asia-Pacific, Haoliang Xu, is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from April 4-10.

A UNDP statement statement said that during his second visit to the island-nation, Xu is expected to meet and exchange 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.

Xu, according to the Colombo Page web site, will also engage in a policy dialogue with eminent civil society representatives on Sri Lanka's development outlook.

He 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.

He will also visit UNDP supported livelihood development projects on the ground in these provinces.