High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Shri Gopal Baglay undertook a 2-day visit to Batticaloa and Trincomalee in the Easter Province on 01- 02 October 2022.
During the visit, the High Commissioner had multiple engagements which underscore the multidimensional nature of the India-Sri Lanka partnership and India’s deep and enduring cultural and socio-economic ties with Eastern Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner began his visit to Batticaloa by attending the convocation ceremony of the Eastern University on 1st October as the Chief Guest. On this occasion, he announced a special financial assistance scheme to support the studies of 100 University students from economically backward families. The High Commissioner called for enhanced cooperation in higher education and skills training through various initiatives by the Government of India, including ITEC, scholarships, and cooperation with Indian institutions of excellence.
The High Commissioner reviewed the progress of the construction of the Surgical Unit in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, being undertaken under grant assistance from India. The project, which is nearing completion, is in line with the people-centric nature of the development cooperation partnership between India and Sri Lanka, under which projects have been carried out in diverse areas including health, education, and livelihood development in all the 25 Districts of Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner also visited the Ramakrishna Mission in Batticaloa and appreciated the contribution and services of the Mission in the fields of health, education, and spirituality, to help the people of Sri Lanka. He assured them of all possible support from the High Commission of India in this endeavor.
Gopal Baglay also visited the Meththai Grand Jumma Mosque and Badriyyah Jum’ah Masjith at Kattankudy in Batticaloa and offered prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of India and Sri Lanka. He unveiled plaques of the Indo-Lanka Sufi Friendship Association and a media unit in Badriyyah Jum’ah Masjith. He interacted with representatives of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), and religious and community leaders at Meththai Grand Jumma Mosque.
On the eve of the birthday of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, falling on October 02, the High Commissioner offered floral tributes to the statue of Gandhiji in Batticaloa which was built in 1967. The event was graced by the presence of Hon’ble MP Govindan Karunakaran and Batticaloa Mayor Mr. Thiyagarajah Saravanapavan.
The High Commissioner began his visit to Trincomalee on 02 October with a puja at the Thirukoneswaram kovil, an ancient Hindu temple. The chief priest blessed the High Commissioner after observing special religious rites on the auspicious occasion of Navratri. Temple trustee President Thusyanthan briefed the High Commissioner on the history of the temple and submitted a proposal for its restoration as a pilgrimage destination for devotees from near and afar.
To mark the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, an event was organized at the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) facility in Trincomalee, which was attended by the High Commissioner. He led floral tributes to Gandhiji and recalled the Mahatma’s visit to Sri Lanka in 1927 and his close association with the Sri Lankan people. Managing Director LIOC, Mr. Manoj Gupta thanked the High Commissioner for his presence at LIOC Facility for the solemn event and briefed him on LIOC’s plans for further expansion and diversification of their business at Trincomalee. The High Commissioner appreciated the LIOC’s role in ensuring Sri Lanka’s energy security, especially in the last few months, and in meeting the growing needs of its industries. The High Commissioner visited the Lube blending plant and the newly inaugurated grease plant at the Facility, which is the first such plant in Sri Lanka. The MD also briefed him on the plans for joint development of the Upper Tank Farms by LIOC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
Later in the day, the High Commissioner met the Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne and Commandant of the Air Force Academy Air Commodore Asela Jayasekera. He also interacted with the Technical Team from the Indian Navy which is supporting the Sri Lankan Armed Forces with operations of the Dornier aircraft gifted by India to Sri Lanka on 15 August 2022 to strengthen the maritime security of Sri Lanka and contribute to the overall security of the region.
Attesting to India’s ongoing commitment to the people of Sri Lanka, during the two-day visit, the High Commissioner donated humanitarian ration packages to 400 low-income families in Batticaloa and Trincomalee. The event at Batticaloa was held in the presence of State Minister of Trade S. Viyalanderan. The event at Trincomalee was attended by MP Kalaiyarasan on behalf of MP and leader of TNA R. Sampanthan. At both places, organizers expressed their gratitude for the donations and India’s unstinted support for the people of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner said that India, like a twin brother, has and will always stand by Sri Lanka, especially in times of need. (NewsWire)