High Commission of India
Colombo
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Press Release
Deputy High Commissioner’s visit to Southern Province
Indian Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Vinod K. Jacob undertook a two day visit to Southern Province of Sri Lanka from 17-18 March 2021. Indian Consul General in Hambantota, Mr. P R Dipin participated in the engagements. During his visit, Deputy High Commissioner offered prayers at Katargama Temple, paid his respects to Chief incumbents of Kirivehera Raja Maha Viharaya and Abhinawaramaya Temple. He also held substantive discussions with Basnayake Nilame of Katargama temple Mr. Dishan Gunasekara and briefed about USD 15 million grant announced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Virtual Bilateral Summit on 26 September 2020 for promotion of Buddhist ties between India and Sri Lanka. Deputy High Commissioner Jacob noted that this is a first of its kind grant announcement by India and stated that High Commission of India and Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs are currently working together to finalize various projects to utilize this grant.
On 17 March, Deputy High Commissioner met Dr. Willie Gamage, Hon’ble Governor of Southern Province at the Governor Secretariat and discussed India- Sri Lanka cooperation in last one year in various sectors like development cooperation, technical cooperation, health, education and other areas. He also visited the Rabindranath Tagore Memorial auditorium at University of Ruhuna, Matara which was built under the Indian grant assistance and had a fruitful discussion with Prof. Sujeewa Amarasena, Vice Chancellor of University of Ruhuna.
During the visit, Deputy High Commissioner Jacob also met separately with CMDE. U.V.M.P Perera, South Area Commander of Sri Lanka Navy at SLNS Dakshina and Mr. R.C De Zoysa, the Chief Secretary of Southern Province at the Southern Provincial Chief Secretariat. During the visit he reviewed the progress of Indian Housing Project in Southern Province and visited Shilpa Kala site constructed with Indian grant assistance at Tissamaharama.
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Colombo
19 March 2021
PR_Sinhala Deputy High Commissioner’s visit to Southern Province
PR_Tamil Deputy High Commissioner’s visit to Southern Province
