The High Commissioner of India, Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, participated as Guest of Honour in the handing over ceremony of new Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) organized by Sri Lanka Railways in Matara on 10 March, 2011. Hon. Kumar Welgama, Minister of Transport was the Chief Guest. Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Chandima Weerakkody, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, officials from RITES Ltd, Sri Lanka Railways and IRCON also participated in the ceremony.

The function today marks the supply and commissioning of 3 sets (each set contains 6 coaches) of Diesel Multiple Units under the line of credit extended by Government of India. There would be supply of 20 sets in phased manner till March 2012. RITES Ltd, a Government of India Company is supplying these rolling stock to Sri Lanka Railways. The supply of the rolling stocks from India is part of the Government of India’s assistance towards reconstruction in the tsunami-affected areas of Sri Lanka under a credit line of US $ 167.40 million. The line of credit also includes upgrading of railway track from Galle-Matara and Galle-Kalutra sections and creation of maintenance facilities for the rolling stock.

Speaking at the occasion, High Commissioner said that India is providing assistance for upgrading the southern costal railway line on the request of the Government of Sri Lanka. He said that the developmental assistance extended by India is entirely on the priorities and requirement of the Government of Sri Lanka. These projects are not commercial in nature. The line of credit being extended by India is highly concessional. High Commissioner remarked that both RITES and IRCON International Ltd are reputed public sector companies of India with proven track record. Indian companies implementing the project are utilizing the best available technology in India. For the execution of the railway upgradation project, Indian companies are utilizing local manpower which is generating direct and indirect employment. As part of the project, capacity building and training of Sri Lankan Railway personnel is also being carried out in India. 600 personnel will be trained in India out of which about 400 have been already trained.

Hon. Kumar Welgama, Minister of Transport in his remarks praised the work being carried out by IRCON and RITES Ltd. He said that the project is of immense benefit and importance to the people of Sri Lanka. He thanked India for the assistance and support for the project. Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister of Agriculture was also appreciative of India’s assistance.

Colombo