Sri Lanka would never go after donor countries or agencies with a begging bowl for aid hereafter, despite the fact that the IMF could approve at any moment the first trance of the US$ 1.9 billion loan that Sri Lanka has negotiated, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.

He said the World Bank, ADB and several other friendly countries had responded positively for assistance for the reconstruction and resettlement process,

We have the capability to stand on our own and necessary funds are available locally for the resettlement and reconstruction in the North. With our new found dignity and identity in the international community Sri Lanka does not want to go after anyone for aid with bended knees. But we accept whatever assistance offered without strings and with respect, Mr. Cabral stressed.

No risk is involved in obtaining the IMF loan as it is entirely a non political transaction between the IMF and a member state. Besides, we have a right to seek IMF funds as a member and the IMF has an obligation to approve it in due course. The IMF has categorically said the loan will be approved, Governor Cabraal told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

Money is coming from various sources and the momentum is building rapidly. Upon resettlement, the remittances and inflows are expected to dramatically increase resulting in a major thrust, he said.

Commenting on the government`s ambitious resettlement and development plans he said assistance provided by different agencies were welcome but the ownership of the entire projects would rest with the government.

We are working towards the de-mining process as the people are keen to resettle as early as possible. Immediately upon resettlement we have to deliver reasonably good roads, schools, state buildings and electricity. At the same time we must work towards providing livelihood to the people. Livelihood could take different forms like agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, small and medium industries and retail trade. Therefore we will make necessary arrangements to provide assistance to those who engaged in livelihood projects, Mr. Cabraal said.

A special financial assistance scheme will be launched for this purpose under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa soon and Rs. 3 billion has already been set aside by the Central Bank for the purpose.

In the meantime, we are providing banking services to those who are in temporary shelters. They will come particularly in the form of safety deposit facilities aimed at foreign remittances, he said.

Many banks have already been given permission to open branch offices, extension services and mobile banking units, Mr. Cabraal said.