Lanka, India review challenges in India-funded development projects

Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando held discussions with Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha on Monday (27) to review challenges affecting development projects being implemented in Sri Lanka with financial assistance from the Government of India.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, focused on issues arising during the implementation of India-funded infrastructure projects and measures required to ensure their smooth continuation, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Special attention was given to the renewal of agreements required to proceed with ongoing projects, while discussions covered development initiatives implemented through several ministries, including Transport, Highways and Urban Development; Ports and Civil Aviation; Plantations and Community Infrastructure; Housing Construction and Water Supply; Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources; Science and Technology; and Justice and National Integration.

The meeting also reviewed projects supported through the US$450 million loan and grant assistance extended by India for disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Officials discussed the establishment of a dedicated unit at the Presidential Secretariat to monitor and coordinate the progress of these development initiatives.

President’s Chief of Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, and senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat and Finance Ministry also participated in the discussions.

Representing the Indian High Commission were Deputy High Commissioner Maitrey Kulkarni, First Secretary (Political) Navya Singla, First Secretary (Commerce) Saurabh Sabhlok and other officials.