Iran to continue provision of technical assistance to Sri Lanka development projects

The government of Iran will continue to provide technical assistance to Sri Lanka's development projects despite the many obstacles Iran is facing currently.

During a meeting with the Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Rio+20 summit in Brazil Friday, the last day of the conference, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has discussed the provision of financial and technical aid for several development projects in the country including the rural electrification project to strengthen the electricity supply to remote villages of Sri Lanka.

The other projects Iran has pledged to provide assistance are the Uma Oya project and the upgrading of the Sapugaskanda Oil refinery.

The two leaders have also discussed the next non-aligned conference to be held in Teheran and the structure of the conference.

President Rajapakse has also conducted talks with his Hungarian counterpart President Janos Ader. The discussions have focused on the utilization of nuclear as well as solar energy for development purposes. Ader has expressed willingness to provide training for Sri Lankan dentists in Hungary. The two leaders have also agreed to exchange information and technology on water management, the state-run radio SLBC reported.

Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Wimal Weerawansa, Patali Champika Ranawaka and Mahinda Amaraweera, Deputy Minister Nirupama Rajapaksa, Parliamentarian Sajin Vaas Gunawardena and President's Secretary Lalith Weeratunga have also participated in these discussions.

(Photos by Sudath Silva)