Lanka to develop Trincomalee with India, joint task force in the offing: President

ECONOMYNEXT – The Government plans to develop the Eastern province collaborating with India making Trincomalee into a national and regional hub for industry, energy and economic activity, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Trincomalee would also be connected to Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Dambulla.

“Since India has the lead to develop industries in the province and industrial zone should be created,” President Wickremesinghe told parliament.

“The port therefore would also be connected and we are planning to establish a joint task force for this purpose.”

India is already developing a tank farm in Trincomalee. There were several agreements with India.

“It is important that we work together with India when developing Eastern province ports, by having discussions on several programs in that region,” President Wickremesinghe said.

“With Trincomalee being the core, India’s assistance as our closest neighbor in implementing Trincomalee district development project is of immense value to Sri Lanka.”

Cultural triangle cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla could be a natural route to boost tourists to Beachfront cities of Batticaloa, Arugam Bay and Trincomalee.The cabinet of ministers had also approved Singapore’s Surbana Jurong for a tourism plan from Verugal Aru to Arugam Bay.

In the north three industrial zones would be developed in Kankasanthurai, Mankulam A memorandum of understanding had been signed with India to develop solar and wind power.Pooneryn in the North will be developed as the main town in renewable energy production.

India’s Adani has come forward as one of the investors, he said.There has been concern raised over Adani being given power purchase agreement without competitive bidding at high prices.

Controversy erupts over pricing on unsolicited Adani wind power projectLegislators also raised queries over some Indian involvement.However President Wickremesinghe said no country can for forward alone, especially when recovering from a crisis.