India to step up assistance

India will increase its assistance to Sri Lanka, particularly in the central tea growing region where a majority of ethnic Tamils of Indian origin are concentrated, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka Ashok A. Kanatha said.

During a two-day visit to the central region, the Indian High Commissioner said New Delhi will help build houses, improve medical facilities, infrastructure and transportation in the region. He said India was also increasing scholarships awarded to children of plantation workers.  The Indian assistance will help to build a 150-bed hospital and a vocational training centre for Tamil youth in one of the poorest districts of the Island.  Indian High Commissioner handed over 20 buses to social, cultural and educational institutes in the region today as part of the project that aims to supply 55 buses, the High Commission said in a statement. (www.info.gov.lk)