News

India increases grant allocation for nine HICDP projects

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2023

editor

The Government of India (GOI) has increased the financial allocation for various grant projects being implemented in the country.

Financial allocation has been increased by upto 50% in case of nine ongoing projects which are being executed under the India-Sri Lanka High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) framework.

The overall financial commitment for these nine projects currently stands at close to Rs.3 billion, after the increase. These projects cut across sectors ranging from education and health to agriculture, among others.

GOI has completed more than 60 grant projects under the HICDP framework, covering all the 25 Districts of Sri Lanka. In addition, 20 other projects are under different stages of implementation. The HICDP framework was signed between the two countries in 2005 and subsequently renewed thrice, for a period of five years each time. GOI also doubled the ceilings for individual projects as well as the overall financial capital outlay under the framework in January 2023.

GOI’s overall development cooperation partnership portfolio in Sri Lanka is around US$ 5 billion, of which US$ 600 million is grant. Demand-driven and people-centric projects carried out by GOI span across areas such as infrastructure development, housing and livelihood assistance. The 1990 Emergency Ambulance Service, Railway Track rehabilitation, Integrated Water Plants, Indian Housing Project and the Jaffna Cultural Centre are among the projects completed by GOI in Sri Lanka.

(dailynews.lk)

News

Landslide warnings extended

Published

8 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

The Department of Irrigation says that the water levels in the Kelani River and Attanagalu Oya are rising to levels that requires attention.

Director of the Hydrology and Disaster Management Division of the Irrigation Department S. P. C. Sugeeshwara says that the Gin, Nilwala and Kalu Ganga remain at the flood level.

Many roads in the vicinity of the rivers have been inundated.

S. P. C Sugeeshwara warns that people should refrain from further using the rivers.

The landslide warnings issued to seven districts have also been extended, due to the prevailing weather conditions.

The Met Department predicts that the heavy showers in the South West will continue.

Heavy showers of about 75 mm can be expected in some areas.

News

“SLPP Leadership can change if needed”

Published

10 hours ago

September 30, 2023

editor

Former President Mahinda Rajapaska yesterday said that there should be a change in the leadership of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), if the need arises.

When the former President was asked about the veracity of the news on social media about imminent change of the SLPP leadership, said that he is not aware of any change in the leadership.

The President was speaking to the media after calling on Mahanayake Thera of the Rammanya Maha Nikaya Most Ven. Makulewe Sri Wimala Thera at the Vidyawasa Pirivena in Meerigama yesterday.

Commenting on the impending regulations on social media, the former President said that there are pros and cons in the social media. “I don’t have any issue with the social media,” he said.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also visited the Sacred Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and participated in religious activities. The Former President also met Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkitha Thera and received his blessings.

Speaking to the media on the occasion, the former President said that he is physically fit despite social media reports to the contrary.

(dailynews.lk)