India lauds Lanka’s economic progress
Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Dr. D.
Purandeswari has expressed her satisfaction over Sri Lanka’s economic
progress and infrastructure development.
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa with Indian
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Dr. D. Purandeswar
and members of the delegation. |
She said this when she met Economic Development Minister Basil
Rajapaksa at his ministry recently.
The Indian Minister impressed by the development of the Northern and
Eastern Provinces added that the products of Sri Lankan garment
factories established in Hyderabad, were of high quality.
She further said that the tourism industry in Vishakhapatnam was well
developed and discussed with Minister Rajapaksa on starting flights from
Sri Lanka to Vishakhapatnam and other areas in India. Minister
Purandeswari also noted the great progress made by Sri Lanka’s tourism
industry, contributing its maximum to develop the country’s economy
after three decades of war which seriously affected tourism in the
island.Minister Rajapaksa said that the government had been able to
raise the nutrition level of people in every area of Sri Lanka. Cottage
industries have helped housewives in Batticaloa to earn additional
incomes.
He told the visiting Indian Minister that the Sri Lankan Government
was paying greater attention to developing the cottage textile industry
and fisheries products. In addition, the government is focusing on
improving the quality of life of people in the plantation and fisheries
sectors and low-income group in urban areas after identifying their
needs. Accordingly, loan facilities, advice and guidance for developing
small industries would be provided and better houses will be provided
for those without proper housing. There will be more employment
opportunities and the quantity and quality of products would be
increased, the minister said.
Dr. Purandeswari commended the progress of the Indian-funded housing
project launched in the North. Acting Indian High Commissioner in Sri
Lanka P. Kumaran, Additional Secretary of India’s Commerce, Industry and
Textile Ministry J.S. Deepak, Director of the Ministry Wandana Yadevi
and Sri Lanka’s Industry and Commerce Ministry Secretary Anura
Siriwardena were among those who attended the meeting. |