The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, says the Indian Government has agreed to provide a grant of USD 61.5 million to fully develop the Port of Kankesanthurai (KKS). This was revealed during a recent meeting between the Hon. Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, and the Indian High Commissioner at the Ministry office.

As part of the project, a new breakwater will be constructed, and the port will be dredged up to a depth of 30 meters to accommodate deep-draft vessels.

During the discussion, the Indian High Commissioner expressed India's commitment to enhancing regional cooperation between the two nations and pledged the fullest assistance to attract more Indian tourists to Sri Lanka. He also stated that the Indian Government has designated Sri Lanka as the top travel destination for Indian tourists.

In response, the Minister conveyed gratitude on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government and his Ministry for the support provided by the Indian Government in the fields of aviation and shipping. He particularly praised the commencement of flights between Chennai and Jaffna.

Furthermore, the Minister mentioned the construction of a new terminal costing Rs. 600 million at the KKS port to cater to the convenience of Indian tourists. He highlighted that over the past nine months, a significant number of Indian tourists have visited the island.

The Minister stressed to the Indian High Commissioner that the USD 61.5 million grant will be utilized for the swift implementation of development projects at the KKS port.

State Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Environment Janaka Wakkumbura declared that the government has successfully delivered on a significant portion of its promises under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The State Minister additionally stated that the construction of 162 bridges currently underway will be finished and officially handed over to the public prior to the upcoming month of August.

State Minister Janaka Wakkambura made these remarks during a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ today (18).

Addressing the media briefing, State Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government, and Environment further said;

We, the government, led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, have achieved a significant progress in fulfilling its promises, with the completion of a majority of commitments. Among these accomplishments is the on-going construction of 162 bridges, with a budget exceeding Rs. 16,000 million allocated for this infrastructure project.

Accordingly, some of those bridges will be made accessible to the public before 10th April, showcasing the government’s commitment to timely delivery and infrastructure development. Furthermore, the government aims to complete and hand over all 162 bridges to the public before August.

Furthermore, a project worth Rs. 1,000 million allocated to the Local Government Institutes for enhancing tourist attraction sites is set to be completed by the end of August.

The majority of the 29,000 multi-purpose development officers have already made permanent while leaving approximately 2,600 officials. We have requested these remaining officials to apply for the vacant positions.

Moreover, permissions have been granted to recruit redundant employees for PL 1-2 sections, aimed at filling vacancies left by retiring personnel within this year.

In addition to that, we aim to expedite the development projects across all ministries. The country is steadily recovering from the recent crisis, evident across various sectors. However, certain individuals are attempting to hinder progress and revert to the previous status. We are committed to enforcing the law against such disruptive individuals, irrespective of their rank or position.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe convened with two innovative young farmers who are utilizing cutting-edge agricultural technology as part of the Agriculture Modernization Project, today (18) at the Presidential Secretariat. One of them, Mr. Bandula Munasinghe, hails from Puliyankulam village, Tirappane, Anuradhapura, earned an impressive income of LKR 12 million in 09 months from cultivating half an acre of chillies. The other farmer, Mr. Budhika Sudarshana, originates from Galkulama and achieved a noteworthy income of LKR 04 million in two months from cultivating an acre of watermelon.

Accompanied by a portion of their harvest, these young farmers met with the President to express their gratitude for his support in implementing the government’s agriculture modernization program, which has enabled them to achieve bountiful harvests.

Mr. Bandula Munasinghe adopted the high-density cultivation method introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Agriculture Modernization Project to cultivate half an acre of chillies.

In traditional farming practices, half an acre typically accommodates around 6000 chilli plants. However, with the adoption of high-density cultivation methods, this number has increased to 13,000 plants, significantly boosting productivity. It is noted that this innovative system has the potential to multiply yields several times over.

Buddhika Sudarshana, a 39-year-old father of two residing in the Galkulama Tirappane in Anuradhapura, is also one such individual embracing this progressive approach.

He noted that he achieved a significant yield from cultivating watermelon on one acre using modern technology, resulting in substantial income. He achieved this by selling a kilogram of watermelon for approximately LKR 180.

The President highlighted that these young farmers serve as exemplary figures in the government’s efforts to revolutionize agriculture in the nation. As a token of appreciation for their endeavours, the President presented them with mementoes.

The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industry, Mahinda Amaraweera, graced the occasion with his presence.