External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Saturday said that following the end of armed conflict in Sri Lanka last year, the development partnership between India and Sri Lanka has expanded significantly.
“As the task of resettlement proceeds, our assistance is moving into the areas of reconstruction in northern and eastern Sri Lanka where we aim to complement the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka,” the Minister said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the reconstruction work of the northern railway lines in Medawachchiya here.
”As part of our effort to provide for the reconstruction of Northern Sri Lanka, the Government of India has pledged a line of credit of US$ 800 million at significantly concessional rates for various aspects of the Northern Railway project, including reconstruction of railway lines, installation of signalling and telecom systems and the procurement of rolling stock,” the Minister informed.
As a part of these works, a new pier at Talaimannar will also be built. In order to enable resumption of ferry services between Talaimannar and Rameswaram at an early date, Indian government-run IRCON will also build a temporary jetty at Talaimannar.