The Government of India has extended its fullest cooperation to boost Sri Lanka's investment and tourism sectors, which have been hit by the Covid -19 (Corona) epidemic. Accordingly, Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagley assured that the necessary financial, technical and other support will be provided for this purpose.
The Indian High Commissioner made this observation at a meeting held with, Minister of Industrial Export, Investment Promotion, Tourism and Aviation Prasanna Ranatunga at the Ministry yesterday.
Hon.Minister, Prasanna Ranatunga was the first Cabinet Minister that the Indian High Commissioner met, after his appointment as Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka.
The Indian High Commissioner stated that Indian businessmen are willing to invest in Sri Lanka and expressed their willingness to invest in Sri Lanka in the fields of food security, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products and fuel refining.
He agreed to implement a joint investment program between the two countries after the Covid -19 epidemic. The Government of India has provided a grant of Rs. 250 million for the construction of a new business centre to empower the budding and new entrepreneurs in the North.
The two sides exchanged views regarding the proposed centre to be set up in the Jaffna Cultural Centre. .Minister, Prasanna Ranatunga stated that project works would be completed very soon.
The Indian High Commissioner stated that Indians would like to have their wedding ceremonies in Sri Lanka and Indians are also willing to come to Sri Lanka to visit places related to Ramayana, as Sri Lankans visit India to visit Buddhist places of worship.
(LIN)