India grants Rs. 300 m to set up 5000 MT cold storage in Dambulla to boost agriculture sector 

India and Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday for the construction of a 5000 MT temperature controlled warehouse in Dambulla, Central Province. The Indian grant assistance of Rs. 300 million will be utilised for this purpose.

The MoU was signed by High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs of Sri Lanka Secretary K. D. S. Ruwanchandra in the presence of National Policies and Economic Affairs State Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva. 

The event was held at the High Commission of India, Colombo in the presence of senior officials from the Government.

The project envisages construction of a 5000 MT temperature-controlled warehouse for fruits and vegetables to minimise its post-harvest losses, which presently are around 40%.  This initiative will benefit the farming community by reducing 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 the Government of India’s efforts to partner with the Government of Sri Lanka in people-oriented development projects.  India’s overall commitment to development assistance for Sri Lanka stands at around $ 3 billion, out of which $ 550 million is pure grant assistance.