India, Japan, China to help develop North

Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda announced that countries such as India, China and Japan have pledged substantial financial assistance totalling over Rs 4,900 million to develop the Northern Province.

Minister Devananda assured that these funds would be utilised efficiently to implement planned development projects, ensuring benefits for all residents regardless of political affiliations.

He credited the timely and prudent actions of the government, led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, for steering the country’s collapsed economy towards recovery by systematically addressing various challenges.

Due to favorable diplomatic relations, the Chinese Government has agreed to provide Rs 1,500 million for development projects in the Northern Province. Of this, Rs 500 million will be allocated for provincial relief efforts, while another Rs 500 million will be used to equip fishermen with necessary gear, including fishing nets.

Devananda anticipates the signing of this grant agreement during Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s upcoming visit to China on 22 March.

Additionally, the Indian Government has committed Rs 3,000 million for marine research and large-scale fish breeding initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Government has agreed to provide Rs 415 million for various improvements benefiting the people of Sri Lanka, Devananda said.