Indian aid to assist Jaffna's development

by Shirajiv SIRIMANE in Jaffna

India is looking forward to revive the air transportation between Jaffna and destinations in India, along with beginning a passenger ferry service, Indian envoy Ashok K. Kantha said.

Speaking at the opening of the Jaffna International Trade Fair last week he said that Jaffna was traditionally rich in fisheries, livestock, agriculture and agro business and most importantly in human recourses.

"These opportunities have once again opened up, creating numerous openings not only for Sri Lankans but also for Indian companies," he said.

He said that the recently concluded Jaffna International Trade Fair was a golden opportunity towards the revival of the Jaffna business sector.

He also said that a proposal to redevelop Atchuveli Economic Zone has been forwarded to New Delhi. "I am following up on this".

He said that the government, private sector as well as Indian government would have a major role to play towards rebuilding the infrastructure and help bring back prosperity to the North and the East.

The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already pledged Rs. 12.5 billion to meet this objective. India also provided a mobile hospital which treated over 50,000 patients while over 250,000 family packs too were distributed.

In addition 40,000 families were provided roofing material and over 400,000 bags of cement were provided to over 40,000 families under this program.

He said the Indian government has now shifted gear and is assisting in the reconstruction and resettlement process.

"Assisting in the housing sector especially in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu area too is a priority of the Indian government while vocational training is another aspect we would look at.

"We would also consider developing the cultural aspect and is planning to redevelop the Alfred Duraiyappa stadium in Jaffna," he said.

"Infrastructure too is one of the Indian government's priorities. We are assisting in rebuilding the railway line to Jaffna. Extension of railway line from Jaffna to Talaimannar and also to Omanthai and Palali are also other priorities.

The Indian government has already provided US $ 25,000 million for this and in addition two Indian companies are directly involved in the rebuilding process. "We will provide more assistance as and when needed," he added.

The building of the railway will also create much opportunity for the local contractors.

Kantha said that they are also happy with the developments taking place in the Kankasnthurai harbour and Palali airport."

We hope very soon there would be a ferry service starting from KKS to India and flights taking off from Palali to South Indian destinations," he said.