Sri Lanka is like a twin brother: Indian HC says during visit to Eastern Province

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, who undertook a successful visit to the Eastern Province in Sri Lanka last week, said that India, like a twin brother, has and will always stand by Sri Lanka, especially in times of need.

The High Commissioner visited Batticaloa and Trincomalee on October 1 and 2 where he had multiple engagements to further strengthen India-Sri Lanka partnership and India’s deep and enduring cultural and socio-economic ties with Eastern Sri Lanka.

High Commissioner Baglay began his visit to Batticaloa by attending the convocation ceremony of the Eastern University on October 1 as the Chief Guest. At the occasion, he announced a special financial assistance scheme to support the studies of 100 University students from lower income families.

The High Commissioner called for enhanced cooperation in higher education and skills training through various initiatives by the Government of India, including Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC), scholarships, and cooperation with Indian institutions of excellence.

The progress of the construction of the Surgical Unit in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, being undertaken under grant assistance from India was also reviewed by the High Commissioner. The project, which is nearing completion, is in line with the people-centric nature of 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.

Meanwhile, he 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 endevour.

The  High Commissioner also visited 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 Indo-Lanka Sufi Friendship Association and a media unit in Badriyyah Jum’ah Masjith. He interacted with representatives of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), religious and community leaders at Meththai Grand Jumma Mosque.

On the eve of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi which fell on October 02, High Commissioner Bagley offered floral tributes to the statue of Gandhi in Batticaloa which was built in 1967. The event was attended by MP Govindan Karunakaran and Batticaloa Mayor Thiyagarajah Saravanapavan.

The High Commissioner’s visit to Trincomalee commenced on October 02 with religious observances at the Thirukoneswaram 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 ancient temple and submitted a proposal for its restoration as a pilgrimage destination for devotees from near and afar.

Meanwhile, Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) facility in Trincomalee organised an event to mark the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, which was attended by the High Commissioner.

He paid floral tributes to Gandhi and recalled the Mahatma’s visit to Sri Lanka in 1927 and his close association with the Sri Lankan people. LIOC Managing Director Manoj Gupta thanked the High Commissioner for his presence at LIOC Facility for the event and briefed him on LIOC’s plans for further expansion and diversification of their business at Trincomalee.

High Commissioner Bagley appreciated 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. Mr.Gupta 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 Indian Navy which is supporting the Sri Lankan Armed Forces with operations of the Dornier aircraft gifted by India to Sri Lanka on August 15, 2022 to strengthen the maritime security of Sri Lanka and contribute to overall security of the region.

The High Commissioner donated humanitarian ration packages to 400 low income families in Batticaloa and Trincomalee attesting to India’s ongoing commitment to the people of Sri Lanka, during the two day visit. The event at Batticaloa was held in the presence of Trade State Minister S. Viyalanderan.

Meanwhile, the event at Trincomalee was attended by MP Kalaiyarasan on behalf of TNA Leader MP R. Sampanthan. At both the places, organizers expressed their gratitude for the donations and India’s unstinted support to the people of Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission said.