India to grant Rs. 300 m for Hambantota development

The Indian Government has agreed to provide a grant of Rs. 300 million for livelihood development, including in the fisheries sector, in the Hambantota District, according to a Cabinet decision briefing yesterday. 

Part of the grant is expected to be used for developing fishing villages in the district.

Accordingly, Cabinet has approved the proposal made by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to sign an agreement between Sri Lanka and India for the above purpose. 

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Rajith Senaratne said the Government would never isolate Hambantota due to it being the native district of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

When reporters asked whether Hambantota really required development, Senaratne said it had many incomplete development projects.