COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday to inaugurate a hydropower and irrigation project that was long delayed due to international sanctions on his government and other issues.
Raisi is the first Iranian leader to visit Sri Lanka since former President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad visited the country in 2008.
The project, valued at $514 million, was started in 2010 by Iran’s FARAB engineering group and Iran initially provided $50 million. But in 2013, funding could not be continued because of international sanctions against Iran. The Sri Lankan government then decided to complete the project with its own funds using the same Iranian contractor.
The project was scheduled for completion in 2015 but was delayed by the sanctions, technical issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said.
Colombia rolls out new incentives to cut electricity consumption as dry weather persists
Gladiator II: Paul Mescal battles Pedro Pascal in first footage from Ridley Scott's highly
Texas A&M Commerce wide receiver Keith Miller III is found dead at 23 near the Dallas
Engineering student, 21, falls to his death from 120 foot waterfall while hiking through Big Sur
Buxton, Kirilloff help Twins rally past White Sox 6
Queen Mary and King Frederik slammed for 'unprofessional' approach over the Easter long weekend
Week in Politics: Tax cuts and a spoonful of sugar
Prince Harry and William 'have no plans for a reunion during visits for King Charles' coronation'
Beauty experts reveal the common gel manicure mistakes that are RUINING your nails
BORIS JOHNSON: If Ukraine falls, it'll be a catastrophic turning point in history
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex, was unfairly fired
Video of kids playing chicken with train on Ngāruawāhia bridge highlights ongoing problem