India announces $450 mn to Sri Lanka including $50 mn for counter-terrorism

After holding talks with newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday anunced financial assistance of USD 400 million to Sri Lanka. Condemning   April 21 Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, PM Modi extended ar USD 50 million for building up capacity for counter-terrorism in island nation. "India has always condemned and fought against terrorism. India is extending a USD 50million line of credit to Sri Lanka to fight terrorism," PM Modi said.

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financial assistance was provided to Sri Lanka to strengn its ecomy. And to construct houses for Tamil origin people in Sri Lanka of which 46,000 houses have alrey been built and ar 14,000 houses will be constructed. Also, financial assistance is given to boost solar projects in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lankan President expresses gratitude

In a bid to thank PM Modi, Lankan President said, “I want to thank him for offering a fifty million dollar line of credit to enhance capabilities of intelligence ncies”. He ded, "With India, our corporation is multi-faceted with priority given to security-related matters.” 

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Rajapaksa is on a three-day visit to India. This visit is his first international visit after taking over as President of Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Modi also congratulated Rajapaksa on his recent election victory and said it is a matter of hor that  Lankan president chose India for his first foreign trip. 

"I want to extend my hearty congratulation to President Gotayaba for his election victory. I want to congratulate people of Sri Lanka for successfully concluding election process," PM Modi said. "It is a matter of hor for us that President Rajapaksa chose India for his first foreign trip and gave us opportunity to hor him in India within two weeks of taking office," he ded.

PM Modi and President Rajapaksa held a discussion on a wide range of issues including mutual security and against terrorism. y also discussed issue of fishermen.  Sri Lanka President on Friday assured that his country will take steps to release Indian fishermen's boats which are in island nation's custody.

(With ANI inputs)

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