India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday for construction of a 5000-metric ton temperature controlled warehouse in Dambulla, Central Province. Indian grant assistance of Rs. 300 million will be utilized for this purpose.
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Secretary, Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs of Sri Lanka K.D.S. Ruwanchandra signed the MoU in the presence of Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva at the High Commission of India, Colombo.
The project envisages construction of a 5000-metric ton temperature controlled warehouse for fruits and vegetables to minimize its post-harvest losses, which presently are around 40 percent.
The initiative will benefit the farming community by reducing the wastage particularly in the peak season when there is surplus production. This will help check the price fluctuation as well and ensure delivery of good quality agro produce to consumers.
This project is in continuation of Government of India’s efforts to partner with Government of Sri Lanka in people oriented development projects. India’s overall commitment of development assistance to Sri Lanka stands at a total of around US$ 3 billion, out of which US$ 550 million is pure grant assistance.
Courtesy: Colombo Page
