Indian Government will further assist development of the North

 

Indian Government will further assist development of the North – New Indian HC

December 29, 2023 Daily News LK

The new Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, affirmed the Indian Government’s unwavering support for the advancement of the maritime and aviation sectors, as well as the development of the northern region of Sri Lanka. He made these observations during a meeting held on December 28, 2023, with the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The discussions at the Ministry also focused on the progress of Palali airport, along with the ports in Kankesanthurai, Talaimannar, and Trincomalee. Minister de Silva emphasized the government’s willingness to provide opportunities for Indian investors to engage in the maritime and aviation services sectors in Sri Lanka. Specifically, he highlighted investment prospects in the vicinity of the Trincomalee Port for ship and small craft building industries.

High Commissioner Jha brought attention to a proposal regarding the initiation of a passenger ferry service linking all ports of Sri Lanka to India. He expressed his intention to engage in discussions with the Indian government to promptly implement the proposal.

He also said that Indian technology and investors would be made available for the commencement of several renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka. Highlighting the collaborative efforts between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickramasinghe, High Commissioner Jha underscored their commitment to fostering a strong and sincere brotherhood between the two neighboring countries.

K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, and Irina Thakur, the First Secretary (Commerce and Culture) at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka also attended the discussions.⍐