Colombo, March 12 (newsin.asia): The Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay on Friday, laid the foundation Stone for the construction of 144 transit housing units for pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar along with Hon’ble Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Tourism in the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando , Bishop of Mannar, and three Members of Parliament – Selvam Adaikkalanathan, K. Kader Masthan and Kulasingam Dhileeban.
These housing units will be built with grant assistance from India at a cost of around SLR 300 million.
The High Commissioner had a luncheon meeting with Mrs.P.S.M Charles, Governor of the Northern Province and other senior functionaries from the province. They had comprehensive discussions on deeper engagement in the fields of education, skills development, health, agriculture, water and fishing.
The High Commissioner attended a dinner hosted in his honor by S. Balachandran, Consul General of India in Jaffna. He interacted with prominent dignitaries from political, economic, academic, social and cultural spheres. The discussions at the dinner put emphasis on cooperation for development of the Northern Province through increased investment and assistance from India.
The government of India has a long history of carrying out development projects in diverse sectors including livelihood, health, education, industrial development in Northern and Eastern Provinces
High Commissioner Baglay commenced his four-day visit to Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka on March 11, by attending Shivratri Pooja at the sacred Thiruketeeswaram temple. After offering prayers at the temple, the High Commissioner reviewed the restoration project at the temple that was carried out by government of India. This project is being executed on a grant basis at a cost of SLR 326 million.
He also prayed at the Ramsethu (Adam’s bridge) – a connecting bridge between India and Sri Lanka.
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