'India's development co-op with Sri Lanka built on foundations of political understanding'

India has said its commitment of USD 3 billion in development assistance to Sri Lanka is inspired by rationale of South-South Cooperation, underscoring that New Delhi's "unique" development cooperation with Colombo is built on foundations of political understanding and geographic realities.

"Sri Lanka has a special place in Indian hearts, given the time-tested bonds, going back almost to the very beginning of recorded history in the subcontinent. Our relationship is built upon the strong foundations of a shared cultural and socio-economic heritage and extensive people-to-people interactions over millennia," India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador K Nagaraj Naidu said.

Participating in the Peacebuilding Commission Informal Meeting on Sri Lanka here last week, Naidu said India's development cooperation with Sri Lanka is "unique" and is built on foundations of political understanding, a historic past, geographic realities and socio-cultural empathy.

"India's commitment of USD 3 billion in development assistance to Sri Lanka is entirely based on the priorities set out by the Government and the people of Sri Lanka," he said, adding that these development projects, guided and inspired by the rationale of South-South Cooperation, focus especially on capacity-building, human resources development, uplifting of weaker sections as well as infrastructure development.

India's portfolio of development projects encompasses virtually all major sectors of the economy, including housing, infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, fisheries, industry, handicrafts, culture and sports.

Naidu noted that the development projects have been widely appreciated for their transparent approach and timely implementation through recourse to local materials and manpower, in a manner that supports the local economy.

The diplomat reiterated India's commitment to stand with Sri Lanka in its efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society for "a life of equality, justice, and dignity and convey our sincere support and good wishes for Sri Lanka's journey of peace, reconciliation and progress."