Resumption of ferry services discussed
The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, undertook a three-day visit to Northern Province from Nov. 29 November to Dec. 1.
Senior diplomats of the High Commission accompanied him.
Attesting to the significance of developing railway infrastructure under India-Sri Lanka development cooperation partnership for the benefit of the people of Sri Lanka, the delegation undertook a journey by Sri Lankan Railways from Colombo to Medawachiya in modern coaches supplied under an Indian credit line.
The train journey also provided an opportunity to experience the riding comfort offered by the upgraded railway line from Anuradhapura.
Reputed Indian public sector company IRCON undertakes the upgrade work under an ongoing Indian line of credit for upgrading the Maho-Omanthai segment.
The delegation visited Thalaimannar and Kankesanthurai passenger facilities on Dec. 29 to pursue the ongoing efforts for enhanced connectivity through ferry services between mutually agreed points in India and Sri Lanka.
It may be recalled that connectivity is the central theme of the economic partnership vision expounded jointly by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President of Sri Lanka, during the latter’s visit to India in July 2023.
The expeditious resumption of regular ferry services is the focus of attention of the Governments of India and Sri Lanka, who are working closely together in this regard.
The High Commissioner visited three islands off Jaffna, namely Nainativu, Analaitivu, and Delft, on Dec. 30 to assess the preparedness for implementing the Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems project.
The government of India has committed to support this project with a grant to address the energy needs of the inhabitants of these islands.
Responding to the diverse requirements of various sections of the society, the High Commissioner inaugurated a program to donate 1000 school bags to students across Mannar District at Murunkan Maha Vidyalayam on Dec. 29 in the presence of the Minister of State for Rural Economy, K. Kader Masthan.
The HC also launched a special financial assistance scheme for underprivileged students at the University of Jaffna on Dec. 1. He distributed dry rations to more than 500 families in Jaffna and Delft Island.
Deep freezers were donated to 15 fishermen cooperatives to use fishermen in the Jaffna region. Interacting with representatives of the cooperatives at Pasaiyoor, the High Commissioner stressed that India is striving to bring benefits of scientific research and expertise for commercially sustainable development of fisheries in Sri Lanka, including in the Northern Province so that the benefits can directly reach the fishermen and the ordinary people.
At the Indian Peace Keeping Forces memorial in Jaffna, the High Commissioner paid homage on Dec. 1 to the brave sons of India who made the supreme sacrifice in Sri Lanka.
This was the High Commissioner’s last of several visits to Jaffna during his assignment to Sri Lanka and underscored India’s abiding commitment to the development and well-being of the people of Sri Lanka, including in the Northern Province, through enhanced development cooperation and expanded economic partnership under the priorities and the requirements of the people of the region.