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India and Sri Lanka announced a major initiative for the construction of 50,000 houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the northern and eastern provinces of the island-nation with Indian assistance.
At talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa here, India also said it would take up several projects for the reconstruction of the island-nation's North and East, including the rebuilding of railway infrastructure and rehabilitation of the Kankesanthurai harbour and Palaly airport.
The measures also include the construction of a cultural centre in Jaffna and several vocational training centres, renovation of the Duraiappah stadium and rehabilitation of war widows, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told journalists after the talks between the two delegations.
In order to assist setting up of the NTPC-CEB joint venture of a 500 MW Thermal Power Plant at Trincomalee in Eastern Sri Lanka, India will extend a line of credit of $ 200 million. The relevant agreements to set up the power plant will be concluded within three months, Ms Rao said.
She said the two sides had also signed an agreement to conduct a feasibility study for the inter-connection of the Indian and Sri Lankan electricity grids.
Ms Rao said both countries had decided to resume the ferry services between Colombo and Tuticorin and between Thalaimannar and Rameswaram in keeping with the desire to restore traditional links between the two countries.
She said India would also also establish Consulates General in Jaffna and Hambantota.
The two leaders noted the progress achieved under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and agreed that it would be timely to build on this achievement through a more comprehensive framework of economic cooperation. They have directed officials to hold intensive consultations on such a framework.
The two sides agreed to launch a CEOs Forum to involve the business community in a dialogue to generate ideas to deepen and broaden the bilateral economic partnership.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at delegation level talks, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at delegation level talks, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
Another significant initiative announced by the two leaders was the India-Sri Lanka Knowledge Initiative. Under it, the Government of India will support the University of Colombo to establish a Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies.
India has announced a major expansion of its scholarship programmes in Sri Lanka. It will assist in English language education in Sri Lanka under the aegis of the newly-established Sri Lanka-India Centre for English Language Training at Kandy and its regional and provincial centres.
India will also provide technical assistance for the Presidential initiative on Trilingual Society in Sri Lanka and collaborate in the establishment of a research institute on agriculture in the Northern Province, Ms Rao said.
Dr Singh and Mr Rajapaksa agreed that the 2600th Year of the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha (Sumbuddhatva Jayanthi) would be commemorated through joint activities. India has also agreed to assist in the restoration of the Tiruketheeswaram Temple at Mannar, Sri Lanka.
In order to explore way to strengthen the safety and security of fishermen, the two sides agreed to resume the discussions under the Joint Working Group on Fishing and promote contacts between the fishermens association on both sides.
Sri Lanka reaffirmed its support for the candidature of India as a Permanent Member of an expanded UN Security Council, as also for Indias candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2011-2012.
Mr Rajapaksa, who arrived here yesterday on a State Visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning.
The Sri Lankan President is accompanied by Mrs Shiranthi Rajapaksa and a high-level delegation, including three Cabinet Ministers.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj and ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi were amonst those who called on him today. He also met a delegation of members of Parliament (MPs) from Tamil Nadu this afternoon.
Mr Rajapaksa also called on President Pratibha Patil, who hosted a banquet in his honour this evening.
Mr Rajapaksa had a one-on-one meeting with Dr Singh, followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides, after which seven agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) were signed.
Ms Rao said the talks between Dr Singh and Mr Rajapaksa were wide-ranging and encompassed a range of issues reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the bilateral relationship.
She said the two leaders shared their vision of the future of India-Sri Lanka relations and agreed that President Rajapaksas visit provided an opportunity to lay the foundation for a forward-looking comprehensive agenda for bilateral engagement.
Dr Singh emphasised that Sri Lankas emergence from decades of conflict offered a historic opportunity to spearhead an era of reconciliation where all communities can come together to realise a political settlement.
The Prime Minister also observed that a meaningful devolution package, building upon the 13th Amendment, would create the necessary conditions for this purpose. In particular, he emphasised the need for urgent steps to resettle the remaining IDPs and urged Sri Lanka to undertake speedy rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka.
Dr Singh also referred to the extensive assistance being provided by India for these efforts including Rs.500 crores as grant and about US$ 800 million as lines of credit for railway projects.
A Joint Declaration issued by the two sides after the talks said the discussions were marked by friendship, mutual respect and understanding.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
It said India-Sri Lanka relations had matured and diversified with the passage of time, encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance, including trade, services and investment, development cooperation, science and technology, culture and education.
The two sides agreed to further consolidate and strengthen the bilateral partnership by building on shared values and principles of democracy and pluralism, leveraging common strategic concerns and interests, enhancing connectivity between the two countries, increasing the integration of their economies, and reinforcing the institutional framework for cooperation.
Mr Rajapaksa expressed his resolve to continue to implement in particular the relevant provisions of the Constitution designed to strengthen national amity and reconciliation through empowerment. In this context, he shared his ideas on conducting a broader dialogue with all parties involved.
Dr Singh expressed Indias constructive support for efforts that build peace and reconciliation among all communities in Sri Lanka.
Mr Rajapaksa expressed appreciation for India's substantial and generous assistance and said the steps taken by India for humanitarian assistance, including supply of family packs of food and clothing, medicines, setting up of a field hospital and an artificial limb fitment camp and for the resettlement of IDPs, including provision of shelter material, cement bags and agricultural implements and deployment of de-mining teams, were important and timely.
Dr Singh was apprised about the measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to bring about a rapid and sustainable resettlement of the bulk of the IDPs.
Mr Rajapaksa said the process of resettling the limited number still remaining in the transit facilities would be further expedited.
Both leaders agreed on the urgent need for the resettlement of the remaining IDPs, along with speedy rehabilitation, reconstruction and development in the North and the East of Sri Lanka. They agreed to work closely towards this end. In this context, Indias assistance to rebuild infrastructure, including railway infrastructure, set up several Vocational Training Centres, repair and construct schools, houses, stadium and recreational facilities, supply much-needed inputs for agricultural regeneration and undertake several other projects was greatly appreciated.
The two leaders witnessed the signing fo the contract for the reconstruction of the Madu-Talaimannar railway line by IRCON. The contract for the Medawachchiya-Madu segment of the track will be signed shortly. The contract for the reconstruction of the Omanthai-Pallai segment of the railway track by IRCON has already been signed.
The two leaders directed that the contracts for the construction of a new signalling and tele-communication network by IRCON, and for the reconstruction of the Pallai-KKS railway line, which will be undertaken by the Sri Lanka Railway in collaboration with IRCON, also be concluded at the earliest. The work on all these construction projects will commence latest by October 2010.
It was also noted that the procurement of rolling stock from India would take place in a phased manner. The two leaders directed that a Steering Committee be established to oversee and facilitate the timely and successful completion of the contracted work.
Mr Rajapaksa appreciated the concessionary credit facilities amounting to about $ 800 million offered by India for the railway projects in Sri Lanka.
Both leaders welcomed the involvement of Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA) in addressing the issue of rehabilitation of war widows and witnessed the signing of the MoU on Setting Up of Womens Trade Facilitation Centre and Community Learning Centre at Batticaloa.
President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The two leaders agreed to revive the Joint Commission mechanism and hold its next meeting, co-chaired by the two Ministers of External Affairs, in the second half of 2010 in order to devise a fuller agenda of bilateral cooperation in various fields.
They agreed to promote dialogue on security and defence issues of relevance to their bilateral relationship, and enhance high-level military exchanges and training of military personnel as well as impart additional training in Indian institutions for the newly recruited police personnel. They agreed to institute an annual defence dialogue between the two governments.
Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also agreed to strengthen the security and legal framework of their bilateral relationship. To this end, the leaders witnessed the signing of a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters and an agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners.
India, Sri Lanka to build 50,000 houses for IDPs in island-nation | NetIndian | India News | Latest News from India | Breaking News from India | Latest Headlines
Sri Lanka News: India to build 1,000 houses for Tamils in Sri Lanka
Srilanka assured to build 50,000 houses to displaced Tamils after monsoon:Home Minister P Chidambaram says | Asian Tribune
At talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa here, India also said it would take up several projects for the reconstruction of the island-nation's North and East, including the rebuilding of railway infrastructure and rehabilitation of the Kankesanthurai harbour and Palaly airport.
The measures also include the construction of a cultural centre in Jaffna and several vocational training centres, renovation of the Duraiappah stadium and rehabilitation of war widows, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told journalists after the talks between the two delegations.
In order to assist setting up of the NTPC-CEB joint venture of a 500 MW Thermal Power Plant at Trincomalee in Eastern Sri Lanka, India will extend a line of credit of $ 200 million. The relevant agreements to set up the power plant will be concluded within three months, Ms Rao said.
She said the two sides had also signed an agreement to conduct a feasibility study for the inter-connection of the Indian and Sri Lankan electricity grids.
Ms Rao said both countries had decided to resume the ferry services between Colombo and Tuticorin and between Thalaimannar and Rameswaram in keeping with the desire to restore traditional links between the two countries.
She said India would also also establish Consulates General in Jaffna and Hambantota.
The two leaders noted the progress achieved under the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and agreed that it would be timely to build on this achievement through a more comprehensive framework of economic cooperation. They have directed officials to hold intensive consultations on such a framework.
The two sides agreed to launch a CEOs Forum to involve the business community in a dialogue to generate ideas to deepen and broaden the bilateral economic partnership.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at delegation level talks, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at delegation level talks, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
Another significant initiative announced by the two leaders was the India-Sri Lanka Knowledge Initiative. Under it, the Government of India will support the University of Colombo to establish a Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies.
India has announced a major expansion of its scholarship programmes in Sri Lanka. It will assist in English language education in Sri Lanka under the aegis of the newly-established Sri Lanka-India Centre for English Language Training at Kandy and its regional and provincial centres.
India will also provide technical assistance for the Presidential initiative on Trilingual Society in Sri Lanka and collaborate in the establishment of a research institute on agriculture in the Northern Province, Ms Rao said.
Dr Singh and Mr Rajapaksa agreed that the 2600th Year of the Enlightenment of Lord Buddha (Sumbuddhatva Jayanthi) would be commemorated through joint activities. India has also agreed to assist in the restoration of the Tiruketheeswaram Temple at Mannar, Sri Lanka.
In order to explore way to strengthen the safety and security of fishermen, the two sides agreed to resume the discussions under the Joint Working Group on Fishing and promote contacts between the fishermens association on both sides.
Sri Lanka reaffirmed its support for the candidature of India as a Permanent Member of an expanded UN Security Council, as also for Indias candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2011-2012.
Mr Rajapaksa, who arrived here yesterday on a State Visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning.
The Sri Lankan President is accompanied by Mrs Shiranthi Rajapaksa and a high-level delegation, including three Cabinet Ministers.
Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj and ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi were amonst those who called on him today. He also met a delegation of members of Parliament (MPs) from Tamil Nadu this afternoon.
Mr Rajapaksa also called on President Pratibha Patil, who hosted a banquet in his honour this evening.
Mr Rajapaksa had a one-on-one meeting with Dr Singh, followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides, after which seven agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) were signed.
Ms Rao said the talks between Dr Singh and Mr Rajapaksa were wide-ranging and encompassed a range of issues reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the bilateral relationship.
She said the two leaders shared their vision of the future of India-Sri Lanka relations and agreed that President Rajapaksas visit provided an opportunity to lay the foundation for a forward-looking comprehensive agenda for bilateral engagement.
Dr Singh emphasised that Sri Lankas emergence from decades of conflict offered a historic opportunity to spearhead an era of reconciliation where all communities can come together to realise a political settlement.
The Prime Minister also observed that a meaningful devolution package, building upon the 13th Amendment, would create the necessary conditions for this purpose. In particular, he emphasised the need for urgent steps to resettle the remaining IDPs and urged Sri Lanka to undertake speedy rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka.
Dr Singh also referred to the extensive assistance being provided by India for these efforts including Rs.500 crores as grant and about US$ 800 million as lines of credit for railway projects.
A Joint Declaration issued by the two sides after the talks said the discussions were marked by friendship, mutual respect and understanding.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
It said India-Sri Lanka relations had matured and diversified with the passage of time, encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance, including trade, services and investment, development cooperation, science and technology, culture and education.
The two sides agreed to further consolidate and strengthen the bilateral partnership by building on shared values and principles of democracy and pluralism, leveraging common strategic concerns and interests, enhancing connectivity between the two countries, increasing the integration of their economies, and reinforcing the institutional framework for cooperation.
Mr Rajapaksa expressed his resolve to continue to implement in particular the relevant provisions of the Constitution designed to strengthen national amity and reconciliation through empowerment. In this context, he shared his ideas on conducting a broader dialogue with all parties involved.
Dr Singh expressed Indias constructive support for efforts that build peace and reconciliation among all communities in Sri Lanka.
Mr Rajapaksa expressed appreciation for India's substantial and generous assistance and said the steps taken by India for humanitarian assistance, including supply of family packs of food and clothing, medicines, setting up of a field hospital and an artificial limb fitment camp and for the resettlement of IDPs, including provision of shelter material, cement bags and agricultural implements and deployment of de-mining teams, were important and timely.
Dr Singh was apprised about the measures taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to bring about a rapid and sustainable resettlement of the bulk of the IDPs.
Mr Rajapaksa said the process of resettling the limited number still remaining in the transit facilities would be further expedited.
Both leaders agreed on the urgent need for the resettlement of the remaining IDPs, along with speedy rehabilitation, reconstruction and development in the North and the East of Sri Lanka. They agreed to work closely towards this end. In this context, Indias assistance to rebuild infrastructure, including railway infrastructure, set up several Vocational Training Centres, repair and construct schools, houses, stadium and recreational facilities, supply much-needed inputs for agricultural regeneration and undertake several other projects was greatly appreciated.
The two leaders witnessed the signing fo the contract for the reconstruction of the Madu-Talaimannar railway line by IRCON. The contract for the Medawachchiya-Madu segment of the track will be signed shortly. The contract for the reconstruction of the Omanthai-Pallai segment of the railway track by IRCON has already been signed.
The two leaders directed that the contracts for the construction of a new signalling and tele-communication network by IRCON, and for the reconstruction of the Pallai-KKS railway line, which will be undertaken by the Sri Lanka Railway in collaboration with IRCON, also be concluded at the earliest. The work on all these construction projects will commence latest by October 2010.
It was also noted that the procurement of rolling stock from India would take place in a phased manner. The two leaders directed that a Steering Committee be established to oversee and facilitate the timely and successful completion of the contracted work.
Mr Rajapaksa appreciated the concessionary credit facilities amounting to about $ 800 million offered by India for the railway projects in Sri Lanka.
Both leaders welcomed the involvement of Self Employed Womens Association (SEWA) in addressing the issue of rehabilitation of war widows and witnessed the signing of the MoU on Setting Up of Womens Trade Facilitation Centre and Community Learning Centre at Batticaloa.
President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife Mrs. Shiranthi Rajapaksa, at the ceremonial reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 09, 2010.
The two leaders agreed to revive the Joint Commission mechanism and hold its next meeting, co-chaired by the two Ministers of External Affairs, in the second half of 2010 in order to devise a fuller agenda of bilateral cooperation in various fields.
They agreed to promote dialogue on security and defence issues of relevance to their bilateral relationship, and enhance high-level military exchanges and training of military personnel as well as impart additional training in Indian institutions for the newly recruited police personnel. They agreed to institute an annual defence dialogue between the two governments.
Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They also agreed to strengthen the security and legal framework of their bilateral relationship. To this end, the leaders witnessed the signing of a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters and an agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners.
India, Sri Lanka to build 50,000 houses for IDPs in island-nation | NetIndian | India News | Latest News from India | Breaking News from India | Latest Headlines
Sri Lanka News: India to build 1,000 houses for Tamils in Sri Lanka
Srilanka assured to build 50,000 houses to displaced Tamils after monsoon:Home Minister P Chidambaram says | Asian Tribune
