India, Lanka have occasional differences

India says while it has occasional differences with Sri Lanka those differences have not affected the relationship between both countries.

Speaking to media heads and senior journalists in Colombo yesterday Outgoing Indian High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha noted that one of the differences that arose was in Geneva.

India voted against Sri Lanka during the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva in March this year.

 “We have sought to compartmentalize those differences, deal with them in as meaningful manner as possible but at the same time see if we can move ahead in all areas,” he said. He said that India is keen on strengthening its people to people contacts with Sri Lanka.

The outgoing High Commissioner also highlighted some of the projects undertaken by India in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is one of the major recipients of development credit given by the Government of India.

One project undertaken under Indian assistance is the track laying and supply of rolling stock to support the construction of the Medawachchiya to Madhu, Madhu to Talaimannar, Omanthai to Pallai, Pallai to Kankesanthurai railway lines and setting up of signaling and telecommunications systems in the North. The completion of work undertaken under this line of credit is expected by December 2013.

India is also involved in projects for renovation of the Palaly Airport, Kankesanthurai Harbour and setting up a coal power plant in Sampur as a joint venture between National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).  (Colombo Gazette)