Question : INDIAN HOUSING PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA

(a) whether several housing projects under the aegis of Indian companies are underway in Sri Lanka as part of Indian aid to that country;

(b) if so, the norms/procedure laid down for review and regulation of such housing projects along with the details of companies carrying out these projects at present;

(c) whether the works under the Tata housing project has been halted for the time being and if so, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government in consultation with Sri Lanka to ensure that these projects are completed as per schedule.

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a)to (d) No housing project under the aegis of any Indian company is underway in Sri Lanka as part of Indian aid to that country. A few Indian companies are separately undertaking housing construction in Sri Lanka as private commercial projects in which the Government is not involved. The Tata Housing Development Company Limited is pursuing a project for redevelopment of land for housing and commercial purposes in Sri Lanka for which the final clearance is yet to be granted by the Sri Lankan authorities. Interactions between representatives of Tata Housing and the relevant Sri Lankan authorities have been facilitated to expedite the process.