More than one million people affected by worst flood of the century in Sri Lanka; India provides assistance to the flood victims of Sri Lanka; Sri Lanka provides relief assistance to the flood victims of Australia;
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  • The worst ever floods in a century, which is second to the tsunami of 2004 have affected more than one million people or one-twentieth of the population of Sri Lanka.1 The Indian government dispatched twenty-five tonnes of relief material, including food, drinking water, sleeping mats, blankets, bed sheets to Colombo material for the flood-affected people in Sri Lanka.2 While, Sri Lanka itself is affected by torrential rain, Government of Sri Lanka as a mark of solidarity with the people of Australia, donated a consignment of black tea as relief assistance for the victims of the floods in the State of Queensland which has caused immense damage to over 200,000 people.3

    The Indian External Affairs Ministry and RITES Limited for Consultancy Services signed an agreement to prepare Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the conduct of geo-technical investigations for the rehabilitation of the Kankesanthurai Harbour in Sri Lanka. The cost of preparation of the DPR and geo-technical investigations (approximately SLR 70 million) will be met by the Government of India.4

    Meanwhile, reports noted that one fisherman was killed and another was injured when Lankan navy opened fire at sea at fishermen from Tamil Nadu. However, Sri Lankan Government has denied it when New Delhi registered a formal complained to Colombo.5 However, in an another report four Indian fishermen along with their fishing boat were handed over to Indian authorities at the Indo-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary on January 9, 2011.6

    The Indian Air Force Commander, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik along with a delegation visited Sri Lanka on January 16, 2011.7 However, a Sri Lankan parliamentary delegation headed by Speaker of Parliament Chamal Rajapakse visited Pakistan and met the Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. During the meeting, President stressed for enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. President has also intended to train police and intelligence officers of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, Minister Chamal Rajapakse highly appreciated Pakistan’s support extended to Sri Lankan army for combating against terrorism in the peninsula.8

    In other developments, three Memoranda of Understanding have been signed between Sri Lanka and Libya to provide assistance for infrastructure development in the North East, development of highways and communication and tourism were granted approval by the Government of Sri Lanka.9 In other developments, Sri Lanka is ranked 19th among 41 countries in the Asia–Pacific region in the '2011 Index of Economic Freedom' conducted by the Wall Street Journal and the Heritage Foundation, a Washington based pre-eminent think tank.10

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