Colombo, March 27 (newsim.asia): The High Commissioner of India, Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said that India is lighting lamps of knowledge through the programs like the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.
Speaking at the annual celebration of International Student’s Day and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day with alumni and scholars from Sri Lanka on March 26, at Hotel Taj Samudra, Colombo, High Commissioner Sandhu said that India has been lighting lamps of knowledge, in its own way, for several decades. He urged Sri Lankan youth to make full use of the educational opportunities in India, and enter a ‘brave new world’ through 3 Ts- technology, talent and teamwork.He underlined the importance of sharing scholarship and skills; innovation and intellect; and ideas and knowledge.
Every year, India offers scholarships to around 750 students across Sri Lanka for completing their Advanced level, Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral courses in various reputed institutions in India as well as Sri Lanka. Additionally, India also offers fully-funded training opportunities to around 400 Sri Lankan officials from various organizations under the ITEC Programme. These programmes are aimed at fostering mutual learning and strengthening of skill-sets.
Among those who grace the occasion were the Most Venerable Anunayaka Theros of Malwatte, Asagiriya and Sri Amarapura Nikayas. Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs was the Chief Guest. Several senior officials from Government of Sri Lanka, were also present. ICCR scholars and ITEC alumni attended the event in large numbers.
The Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Thero of Malwatta chapter noted the common Buddhist heritage of India and Sri Lanka and praised India’s assistance for the development of Sri Lanka. The Most Venerable Venduruwe Upali of Asgiriya Chapter said that the cultural and historical ties between India and Sri Lanka were deep and recalled the visit of Indian Prime Minister to Sri Lanka in 2017 for the International Vesak Day. He appreciated India’s development partnership projects in Sri Lanka like the 1990 Suwaseriya Emergency Ambulance Service and the Indian Housing Project.
Minister Sajith Premadasa paid homage to the founder of Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR), and praised the ICCR’s scholarship program for strengthening human development and providing unparalleled opportunities to Sri Lankan students.
Premadasa also commended the ITEC training program for contributing to skills enhancement and capacity development in Sri Lanka. Minister Premadasa expressed his gratitude to India for its substantial contribution in the partnering with Sri Lanka in vital people-focused projects specially for providing essential development assistance in the field of housing.
For more details on the scholarship programmes and other educational assistance, please visit High Commission of India’s website https://hcicolombo.gov.in/. For more information on the ITEC, please visit www.itecgoi.in
(The featured image at the topshows Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu speaking at the ITEC function)
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