Colombo, March 16 (newsin.asia): The Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, on Friday praised the General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU) for turning out good graduates over the years.
Inaugurating the Master’s Degree Program for the year 2018, the Indian envoy said that the “quality of a university is not measured by the kind of students it takes in, but the quality of students it turns out. I compliment KDU for living up to the expectations of Sri Lankans.” .
Sandhu recalled that Sir John was one of the most illustrious and brave sons of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is no coincidence that the motto of KDU is ‘For the Motherland and Forever.’
Speaking on “India-Sri Lanka Relations for a Shared and Secured Future” the envoy said that India-Sri Lanka relations are “special, unique and standing on its own feet.”
The High Commissioner highlighted importance of higher education and research for the growth of a country.
He said that India currently has the third-largest scientific and technical manpower in the world. India has also become the second largest market for e-learning with more than one-third of the top 1,000 global R&D spenders having their centers in India.
Citing the 750 scholarships and 400 ITEC fellowships that India gives to Sri Lanka every year, High Commissioner said that India, as a country, has never believed in keeping its resources to itself.
Even while having to confront its own developmental challenges, India has always believed in sharing what it has, he pointed out.
The High Commissioner reiterated that whether it be the rehabilitation of Kankesanthurai Harbor, or setting up of model villages across the country, or helping the farming and fishing communities in the South or the extension of the Emergency Ambulance Service island-wide, India has been able to deliver.
“Indian aid has been based on Sri Lanka’s own priorities and requirements. This is important considering the strong democratic credentials of both India and Sri Lanka,” Sandhu said.
(The featured image at the top shows Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu being felicitated)