The Indian High Commissioner, Gopal Baglay, recently concluded a significant three-day visit to Sri Lanka's Northern Province, accompanied by a delegation of senior diplomats from the Indian High Commission. This visit, taking place from November 29 to December 1, was a strategic move to emphasize and reaffirm New Delhi's unwavering commitment to the development and welfare of the Sri Lankan people. The focus of the trip included assessing the readiness for implementing the Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems project on islands off Jaffna.
One notable initiative during the visit was the inspection of passenger facilities in Thalaimannar and Kankesanthurai, underlining ongoing efforts for enhanced connectivity through ferry services. The delegation also embarked on a train journey by Sri Lankan Railways from Colombo to Medawachiya, demonstrating the collaborative efforts in developing railway infrastructure as part of the India-Sri Lanka development cooperation partnership. This initiative aims to benefit the people of Sri Lanka, and the delegation had the opportunity to experience the upgraded railway line from Anuradhapura, a project managed by the Indian public sector company IRCON.
Several impactful programs were inaugurated during the visit, including the donation of 1,000 school bags to students across Mannar District, the launch of a financial assistance scheme for underprivileged students at the University of Jaffna, and the distribution of dry rations to over 500 families in Jaffna and Delft Islands. Furthermore, deep freezers were donated to 15 fishermen cooperatives, supporting sustainable development in the fisheries sector.
High Commissioner Baglay emphasized India's commitment to bringing the benefits of scientific research and expertise for the commercial and sustainable development of fisheries in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Northern Province. The visit also included paying homage at the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) memorial in Jaffna on December 1, honoring the Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the civil war in Sri Lanka. The IPKF was formed under the mandate of the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987, aiming to bring an end to the civil war in the country between militant Sri Lankan Tamil nationalists and the Sri Lankan military. The visit encapsulated various facets of India-Sri Lanka cooperation, reinforcing ties and addressing developmental priorities in the Northern Province.
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