Colombo, Dec 23 (PTI) — India has proposed a USD 450 million assistance package to Sri Lanka to help it recover from the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.
Speaking alongside Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Jaishankar said India is proud to stand by Sri Lanka at a time when the country is facing fresh challenges after beginning to recover from the 2022 economic crisis.
“Prime Minister Modi has directed that we engage closely with the Sri Lankan government to address their priorities. In that regard, the assistance package we have proposed is worth USD 450 million,” Jaishankar said.
He explained that the package includes USD 350 million in concessional lines of credit and USD 100 million in grants, and is being finalised in close consultation with the Sri Lankan government.
The proposed assistance will focus on sectors worst hit by the cyclone, including the rehabilitation of roads, railways and bridges, construction of houses that were fully or partially damaged, support for health and education systems, and relief for the agriculture sector to address possible short- and medium-term shortages. It will also aim to strengthen disaster response and preparedness.
Jaishankar is in Sri Lanka on a two-day visit as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special envoy.
Category: Breaking News
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