A discussion between the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Mr Santosh Jha, was held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (27) to review issues affecting development projects being implemented in Sri Lanka with financial assistance from the Government of India.
The discussions focused on the challenges encountered in the implementation of Indian-funded infrastructure projects and the measures required to address them. Particular attention was also given to the renewal of agreements to facilitate the continuation of these projects.
The projects under review are being implemented through the Ministries of 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 financed through the US$450 million loan and grant assistance extended by the Government of India for disaster recovery and reconstruction.
The participants also discussed the establishment of a dedicated unit within the Presidential Secretariat to oversee and monitor the progress of these projects.
Among those present were Chief of Staff to the President 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 officials from the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. Representing the High Commission of India were Deputy High Commissioner Maitrey Kulkarni, First Secretary (Political) Navya Singla, First Secretary (Commerce) Saurabh Sabhlok, together with other officials.
