Sri Lanka to get $570m ADB loan

Areas such as Sri Lanka's north are underdeveloped

Sri Lanka will borrow $570m (£322m) from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) over the next two years.

The money is part of a programme which aims to boost spending on infrastructure such as roads, and projects that try to boost education.

The ADB also wants to promote building in the north and east of the country, areas which have been hit by conflict.

Funding will be dependent on the economy continuing to grow, as well as an ongoing programme of reforms.

The ADB said that future economic growth "depends crucially on the progress of peace talks" with Tamil Tiger rebels.

Other key factors will be the country's widening budget deficit, global economic growth and crude oil prices, the ADB said.