India provides Rs.250 million to build Business Centre in Jaffna

India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday to establish a Business Centre for ICT incubators and accelerators in Jaffna through a grant of Rs.250 million from the Indian government, a statement from the Indian High Commission here said.

The MOU was signed by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Secretary, Ministry of Development Strategies and International Trade S. T. Kodikara, at the Temple Trees in the presence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister and Deputy Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade Malik Samarawickrema, and Nalin Bandara Jayamaha, MP Mavai Senathirajah, Chairperson, Export Development Board Indira Malwatte and several other invited guests and senior government officials.

This project is part of Government of India’s continued efforts to assist and cooperate with the Sri Lankan government in people-oriented development projects. The Business Centre would provide opportunities and enhance the enabling environment for Information Communication Technology (ICT) and other professional services in the Northern region.

Besides, undertaking various development projects for rehabilitation and resettlement, Government of India has constructed a total of 46,000 houses in the region. 1990 Emergency Ambulance Services are operational in the Province. The ongoing development projects in the Northern Province under Government of India’s grant assistance include, construction of Cultural Centre in Jaffna, construction of school buildings to 27 schools, construction of 3000 Rain Water Harvesting units and construction of 25 model villages consisting of 600 houses among others.