India has pledged its full support to improve the public transport sector including railway service in Sri Lanka.
This was revealed during the discussion held between Indian Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari and Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena held at the Transport Ministry in New Delhi, India recently.
Transport, Highways and Media Minister Dr.Bandula Gunawardena was on a three-day visit to India with the aim of seeking Indian support to improve the public transport sector in Sri Lanka.
A number of issues related to cooperation and partnership in the transport sector between the two countries were discussed during the meeting.
Attention was also focused to obtain Indian assistance for the urgent improvement of railway service and its infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
Minister Gunawardene explained the current situation of the Transport sector in Sri Lanka while Indian Transport Minister informed about the importance of reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Two MInister also discussed the possibility of getting electric buses from India to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, he also pledged his support to share Indian experiences on alternative energy sources that reduce fossil fuel dependency in Sri Lanka.
During this visit to India, senior officers in (RITES), (IRCON) and (RVNL) companies met the Minister. During the discussion, he said he would seek a US$ 400 million credit line from India to improve the public transport sector in the country.
This credit line was agreed upon in 20019 by India to Sri Lanka, but it has not been obtained yet. Minister Dr. Gunawardena said that he has made a request from Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay in this regard. Indian High Commissioner has communicated this issue to India.
