The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has stated that Sri Lanka has become a source of development assistance to the other developing countries. This has been highlighted by the UNIDO in its report to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York last week.

The UNIDO informed that “Chinese and Sri Lankan technologies and solutions in hydro-power are used to provide access to energy in several African countries”. The UNIDO statement underscores Sri Lanka’s capability to assist other developing countries in achieving sustainable and affordable energy from natural sources, particularly hydro-power. There are several niche areas, where Sri Lanka can share knowledge and expertise with other developing countries and vise-versa.

Their statement was made to the 2nd Committee during the debate on South-South Cooperation at the 64th Session of the General Assembly on October 14, 2009.

South-South Cooperation has attracted increased attention in the recent past. The United Nations has established a Special Unit for South-South Cooperation in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York. A series of events are organised in Washington DC at the World Bank Mission Complex from 14th to 17th December, 2009.