The land connectivity initiative between India and Sri Lanka was originally proposed by Sri Lanka, and India is awaiting Colombo’s response before moving forward, India’s top diplomat in the country said Thursday.
Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha told reporters that India has submitted a proposal to conduct a detailed project report for the plan, but approval from the Sri Lankan government is still pending.
“I think it is important to recall that the land connectivity project was actually a Sri Lankan proposal, not an Indian one,” he said during a press briefing.
Jha added that India is fully prepared to proceed with the project once Sri Lanka responds, signaling continued cooperation on infrastructure and regional connectivity.
He also addressed a separate initiative to link the two countries’ power grids, noting that technical discussions have already taken place and both sides are working on a financial framework for implementation.
Progress on the project, however, could be delayed due to Sri Lanka’s ongoing cyclone response efforts.
“When the External Affairs Minister came, the only issue that was discussed was related to the cyclone response. We will at some point revive this conversation to get into the financial modalities of how to implement it,” Jha said.
The High Commissioner said the Sri Lankan government is committed to both projects, citing clear benefits for the country.
“On the proposal to develop the grid as an energy hub, we have already held one meeting and are currently exchanging details on what each side believes should be done and the manner in which it should be implemented,” he added.
He further said that India is now concentrating on the reconstruction and restoration of infrastructure that was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, with financial support from India.
Noting that India announced an assistance package which includes USD 350 million in concessional Lines of Credit and US$ 100 million of grants, he said the assistance will be multi-pronged, assisting Sri Lanka in sectors that were most badly hit.(Source -The Leader)
