Colombo: India will increase its assistance
to Sri Lanka, particularly in the central tea growing region
where majority of ethnic Tamils of Indian origin are
concentrated, the Indian High Commission said here on Tuesday.
During a two-day visit to the central region, Indian High
Commissioner Ashok A Kanatha said New Delhi will help build
houses, improve medical facilities, infrastructure and
transportation in the region.
He said India was also increasing scholarships awarded to
children of plantation workers.
The Indian assistance will help to build a 150-bed
hospital and a vocational training centre for Tamil youth in
one of the poorest districts of the Island.
Indian High Commissioner handed over 20 buses to social,
cultural and educational institutes in the region today as
part of project that aims to supply 55 buses, the high
commission said in a statement.
The buses will be deployed to improve transportation for
estate workers. A similar number of buses were given last year
by India.
The High Commission also discussed the possibility of
extending Indian assistance to develop tourism, education and
agricultural sectors in the region, the statement said.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, November 09, 2010, 21:52