President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced that Sri Lanka is expected to receive substantial financial assistance from the Indian Government for the development of the Anuradhapura Sacred City.
Addressing a public rally in Ibbagamuwa on Sunday (11), the President said the financial assistance would be provided as part of the strong bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India.
He recalled that India had provided USD 100 million in assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, along with a significant number of temporary bridges and loan assistance for the construction of additional bridges.
The President also noted that India’s External Affairs Minister had visited Sri Lanka as a special representative of the Indian Prime Minister and held discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, President Dissanayake highlighted Sri Lanka’s cooperation with other countries, including Japan and China, particularly in developing the country’s public transport sector.
He stated that Japan had agreed to provide buses for a new public transport project in Sri Lanka and that the buses had already been delivered.
The President further revealed that the Chinese Government had expressed its agreement to provide 100 electric buses following a request made by Sri Lanka.
Emphasising the government’s foreign policy approach, President Dissanayake said Sri Lanka continues to maintain balanced diplomatic relations with all countries.
He stressed that Sri Lanka would not align itself with any particular bloc during international conflicts, reiterating the government’s commitment to an independent and balanced foreign policy. (Newswire)
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