High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

The meeting between the two Ministers was held in a very cordial manner, and the discussion centred on matters pertaining to collaboration and partnership between the two countries in the transport sector.

Minister Gunawardana briefed his counterpart on the current status of the transport sector in Sri Lanka. Minister Gadkari highlighted the importance of reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels and highlighted India’s achievements in using bio fuel and electricity as sources of energy for transport. Minister Gadkari also informed Minister Gunawardana of possible alternative arrangements for Sri Lanka to secure electric buses from India. The Indian Transport Minister expressed his willingness to assist Sri Lanka and share his vast experience on alternative energy sources that would decrease the dependence on fossil fuels.

Minister Gunawardana was accompanied to the meeting by Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in New Delhi Niluka Kadurugamuwa, Minister of the High Commission of Sri Lanka Upul Pushpakumara and First Secretary (Commercial) Geshan Dissanayake.  

During his visit to New Delhi, Minister Bandula Gunawardana also met with Chairmen and Senior Management of Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited (RITES), Indian Railway Construction Limited (IRCON) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), which are Indian Government -owned companies dealing with railway sector. Possible collaboration in upgradation of railway tracks in Sri Lanka, electrification of railway lines, upgradation of workshops, and digitalization of systems were among the areas that were discussed in these meetings.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi made requisite arrangements for the visit of the Minister of Transport & Highways and Mass Media to New Delhi.