• Says the building is a symbol of India’s commitment to work with the people of SL
• Constructed with US $ 11Mn financial grant from India

By Kelum Bandara

Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said the Jaffna cultural centre, being constructed with a US $ 11 million financial grant from India, will help people of the Northern Province reconnect and engage with their ancient cultural roots.

He said this making a statement to the press in Jaffna. He is currently in Sri Lanka on a two-day visit.
The Foreign Secretary said the building is a symbol of India’s abiding commitment to work with the people of Sri Lanka for preserving shared cultural heritage.

The large auditorium, proposed multimedia library and instructional wing for classes related to art and music will provide much needed social space for people of Jaffna.

India will extend maintenance support for the building in line with the discussions between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

“With the cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government, we expect to have the Jaffna Cultural Centre inaugurated shortly,” he said.

Earlier, he went to Sri Dalada Maligawa and paid homage to the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Afterwards, he proceeded to Trincomalee and visited the Oil Tank Farm. Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) is managing some of the tanks.

He will wrap up his visit today after talks with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister, and Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.  

BLURB
The large auditorium, proposed multimedia library and instructional wing for classes related to art and music will provide much needed social space for people of Jaffna