Visit of High Commissioner to Northern Province
High Commissioner of India, H.E Santosh Jha undertook his first official visit to Northern Province from 15-17 February 2024.
Diverse engagements during the visit attest to the deep-rooted nature of the bilateral partnership and India’s firm commitment to deepening socio-economic and cultural ties with Northern Province.
The High Commissioner emphasized furthering connectivity initiatives, the central theme of the bilateral economic partnership vision document issued in July 2023. He visited Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port and the historic Talaimannar Pier and spoke of the need for expeditious resumption of ferry services between the two countries.
He expressed confidence regarding the earliest recommencement of the Nagapattinam-KKS ferry in the coming weeks. He informed his interlocutors of ongoing efforts to resume ferry services between Talaimannar and Rameswaram.
During his visit to Palaly Airport, he explored ways to strengthen air connectivity through infrastructure development.
Underscoring the rich and shared cultural heritage between India and Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner offered prayers at the historic Ram Sethu (Adam’s Bridge). He also visited the ancient Thiruketheeswaram temple, renovated with grant assistance from the Government of India.
He prayed for the well-being and prosperity of the people of India and Sri Lanka as he paid respects at the Nagapooshani Amman Temple and Nagavihara in Nainativu island, revered Madhu Church in Mannar, and Nallur Kandaswamy temple. Further, he attended Thyagaraja Aradhana at the iconic Jaffna Cultural Centre, a gift from the people of India.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to diverse sections of society, the High Commissioner distributed deep freezers to fishermen communities in Mannar to enhance their livelihood opportunities. He also distributed dry rations to hundreds of needy families in Jaffna and Kilinochchi, with special focus on those headed by women.
In India’s endeavor to contribute towards addressing the energy needs of islands off Jaffna, he assessed the readiness for early rollout of the Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems Project in Nainativu Island. It may be recalled that this project is being implemented in Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu Islands through grant assistance from India.
The High Commissioner paid homage to the brave sons of India who made the supreme sacrifice at the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) Memorial.
The High Commissioner had engaging discussions with a wide cross-section of regional stakeholders, including elected representatives, academics, and businessmen, among several others, on avenues for further collaboration and development.
With grant assistance of more than SLR 70 billion, Northern Province has been a region of focus in India’s multi-dimensional development cooperation partnership with Sri Lanka. The visit was an opportunity to reiterate India’s unwavering commitment to the region’s people.