High Commission of India
Colombo

PRESS RELEASE

 Work to Commence on Six Important Socio-Economic Projects in Eastern Province through Indian Grant Assistance

Work is set to commence on the six projects identified as priority ones under the framework MoU on “Implementation of Indian Multi-Sectoral Grant Assistance for the Eastern Province,” signed during the State visit of the Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka in April 2025. These include:

1. Establishment of Batik Training Centers to promote women’s empowerment and rural industries
2. Establishment of a Premature Baby Unit to strengthen neonatal care
3. Construction of EYE, ENT, and Mental Health units to enhance access to specialized healthcare services
4. Establishment of Contract Farmer Clusters to enhance seed production
5. Establishment of Sustainable Ayurveda Village for promoting Ayurveda-based health and wellness tourism
6. Establishment of a Ward complex at Central Ayurvedic Dispensary to facilitate inpatient Ayurvedic treatment. 

2. The framework MoU envisages a total of 33 projects, with Indian grant assistance of SLR 2.37 billion, in multiple sectors to address the socio-economic developmental requirements of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.

3. MoUs for these six projects were signed and exchanged by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka H.E Santosh Jha and Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Mr. S. Alokabandara coinciding with the visit of Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, to Sri Lanka on 19 -20 April 2026.

4. The 33 projects under the Multi-Sectoral Grant Assistance package are in series with other development initiatives undertaken by Government of India in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. Other key projects in the region include construction and renovation of over 5000 houses under the Indian Housing Project, construction of Surgical Unit at Teaching Hospital Batticaloa, financial assistance being extended to selected students at Eastern University and development of Thirukoneswaram temple being implemented in Eastern Province, etc. among numerous others.

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Colombo
05 May 2026