Visiting European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero Waldner said that the European Union (EU) is determined to provide assistance in all fronts to promote Sri Lanka's economy, the official Daily News reported on Thursday.

Waldner, who is  in Colombo on a brief visit to tsunami-affected countries, said that the European Commission (EC), the executive arm of the EU, has already decided to grant additional benefits to Sri Lanka under the EU's Generalized System of Tariff Preferences.

She said in addition to providing a massive post-tsunami humanitarian and construction aid package, EU is to improve the island country's economy.

"The majority of our 100 million euro package to Sri Lanka will go for post-tsunami rebuilding and long-term infrastructure development. However, our commitment towards the economic development of the country is still a priority," she added.
 
(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2005)