Delhi donates hoes, bicycles and sewing machines to the poor of Hambantota

The project was launched yesterday. At least 70 thousand poor fishermen and farmers will benefit from aid. India offers economic assistance for a total of 2.3 billion euros.

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Bicycles, hoes and sewing machines: these are the support tools that the Indian government has donated to the poor fishermen and farmers' communities of Hambantota, in the southern part of Sri Lanka. In all, at least 70 thousand people will receive aid. For their part, the Colombo authorities thanked India for the great help shown to the populations in difficulty.

The delivery ceremony took place yesterday at the "Nonagama Cultural Center" in Ambalantota, in the district of Hambantota. High Commissioner of India Taranjit Singh Sandhu represented the Delhi government; for the Sri Lankan side Mahinda Amaraweera, minister of development of fish and aquatic resources. Together they launched a project to support farmers and fishermen living in the area.

The Ceylon Fisheries Harbors company will distribute the assets offered by India, worth 138 million Sri Lankan rupees [over 720 thousand euros]. In detail, the 70 thousand beneficiaries will receive 7 thousand bicycles, 1000 sewing machines and 60 thousand hoes to plow the fields. The goal of the project is to improve the income and living conditions of the population.

The plan is part of the development agreements of the bilateral partnership of the two neighboring countries. India's total commitment to Sri Lanka amounts to a total of about 2.9 billion US dollars [2.3 billion euros]. Of these, at least 545 million [more than 442 million euros] are allocated in the form of pure donations.

Speaking at the ceremony, High Commissioner Sandhu recalled the numerous projects with which India guarantees assistance. Then he added that his government "will continue to support Sri Lanka in any way and in all circumstances".