The High Commissioner of India, Gopal Baglay, and Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr M.N. Ranasinghe, exchanged diplomatic notes on June 19, 2023, to fast-track the implementation of the establishment of modern computer labs and smart boards with customised curriculum software in 200 schools in Galle District. Hon. Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Industries and Plantation Industries, was present on the occasion. Deputy High Commissioner Vinod K. Jacob and officials from the High Commission of India and the Ministry of Education also participated.
The exchange of notes will further streamline and expedite the implementation of the project by aligning the procurement processes in accordance with the framework prescribed by the Government of Sri Lanka. The project, which is being implemented through Government of India grant assistance, aims to improve digital literacy among students attending schools in less privileged areas. This is one of several grant projects undertaken by the Government of India in the education sphere in Sri Lanka.
India’s overall development assistance to Sri Lanka currently stands at around USD 5 billion, with nearly USD 600 million being in grants. Close to 65 grant projects have already been carried out across the 25 districts of the country, and over 20 grant projects are at various stages of implementation. The Indian Housing Project and the 1990 Suwaseriya Ambulance Service are among the flagship grant projects implemented by the Government of India in Sri Lanka.
