The Government yesterday (27) held discussions with India to address challenges delaying the implementation of development projects funded through Indian assistance, with plans underway to establish a dedicated monitoring unit at the Presidential Secretariat to oversee their progress.

Labour Minister and Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando met Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha at the Presidential Secretariat to review issues affecting ongoing Indian-funded infrastructure projects and identify measures to ensure their timely completion.

The discussions focused on obstacles encountered during project implementation, including the need to renew agreements required to continue several ongoing initiatives.

Projects implemented through multiple Ministries, including Transport, Highways and Urban Development; Ports and Civil Aviation; Plantations and Community Infrastructure; Housing Construction and Water Supply; Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources; Science and Technology; and Justice and National Integration, were reviewed during the meeting.

Special attention was also given to projects supported through the US$ 450 million loan and grant assistance provided by the Indian Government for disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Officials discussed establishing a dedicated mechanism at the Presidential Secretariat to monitor the progress of these initiatives, coordinate among relevant institutions, and address delays affecting project execution.

The meeting comes amid renewed efforts by the Government to accelerate foreign-funded development projects and ensure that pledged assistance is effectively utilised to support national development priorities.