Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay undertook a four-day visit to the Northern and Eastern provinces on March 11.

He began his tour by attending Shivratri Pooja at the sacred Thiruketeeswaram Temple. After offering prayers at the Temple, he reviewed the restoration project that was carried out by government of India at the Temple. This project was launched on grant basis at a cost of SLR 326 million.

The High Commissioner also prayed at Ramsethu (Adam’s bridge) – a connecting bridge between India and Sri Lanka over several centuries.

He laid the foundation for the construction of 144 transit housing units for pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar along with Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Tourism in the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, Bishop of Mannar, and Members of Parliament Selvam Adaikkalanathan, K. Kader Masthan and Kulasingam Dhileeban. These housing units will be built with grant assistance from India at a cost of around SLR 300 million.

 The High Commissioner had a luncheon meeting with P. S. M. Charles, Governor of Northern Province and other senior functionaries from the province. They had comprehensive discussions on deeper engagement in the fields of education, skills development, health, agriculture, water and fishing.

He also attended a dinner hosted in his honour by S. Balachandran, Consul General of India in Jaffna. He interacted with prominent dignitaries from political, economic, academic, social and cultural spheres.

Focused discussions at the dinner placed emphasis on cooperation for development of Northern province through increased investment and assistance from India. The government of India has a long history of carrying out development projects in diverse sectors including livelihood, health, education, industrial development in Northern and Eastern provinces. (Press Release)