High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay paid a visit to Batticaloa and Trincomalee on October 1 and 2, 2022. In these two days, the High Commissioner had multiple engagements which underscore the multidimensional nature of the India-Sri Lanka partnership and India’s deep and enduring cultural and socio-economic ties with Eastern Sri Lanka, the Indian High Commission said in a release.
Among other places, the High Commissioner visited the Meththai Grand Jumma Mosque and Badriyyah Jum’ah Masjid at Kattankudy in Batticaloa and offered prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of the people of India and Sri Lanka. He unveiled plaques of Indo-Lanka Sufi Friendship Association and a media unit in Badriyyah Jum’ah Masjid. He interacted with representatives of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU), and religious and community leaders at Meththai Grand Jumma Mosque.
It is significant that the Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong visited the Eastern province in May and September to distribute food packets.
The Indian High Commissioner began his visit to Batticaloa by attending the convocation ceremony of the Eastern University on October 1 as the Chief Guest. On this occasion, he announced a special financial assistance scheme to support the studies of 100 University students from economically backward families.
The Indian envoy called for enhanced cooperation in higher education and skills training through various initiatives of the Government of India, including ITEC, scholarships, and cooperation with Indian institutions of excellence.
He reviewed the progress of the construction of Surgical Unit in the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, being undertaken under grant assistance from India. The project, which is nearing completion, is in line with the people-centric nature of the development cooperation partnership between India and Sri Lanka, under which projects have been carried out in diverse areas including health, education and livelihood development in all the 25 Districts of Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner Baglay then visited the Ramakrishna Mission in Batticaloa and appreciated the contribution and services of the Mission in the fields of health, education and spirituality, to help the people of Sri Lanka. He assured them of all possible support from the High Commission of India in this endeavour.
On the eve of the birthday of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, falling on October 2, the High Commissioner offered floral tributes to the statue of Gandhiji in Batticaloa which was put up in 1967. The event was graced by the MP Govindan Karunakaran and Batticaloa Mayor Thiyagarajah Saravanapavan.
The High Commissioner began his visit to Trincomalee on October 2, with a puja at the Thirukoneswaram kovil, an ancient Hindu temple. The chief priest blessed the High Commissioner after observing special religious rites on the auspicious occasion of Navaratri. The Temple trust President Thusyanthan briefed the High Commissioner on the history of the temple and submitted a proposal for its restoration as a pilgrimage destination for devotees from near and afar.
To mark the 153 rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, an event was organized at the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) in Trincomalee, which was attended by High Commissioner. The High Commissioner led floral tributes to Gandhiji and recalled the Mahatma’s visit to Sri Lanka in 1927 and his close association with the Sri Lankan people. Managing Director LIOC, Manoj Gupta thanked the High Commissioner for his presence at the LIOC Facility and briefed him on LIOC’s plans for further expansion and diversification of their businesses at Trincomalee.
The High Commissioner appreciated LIOC’s role in ensuring Sri Lanka’s energy security, especially in the last few months, and in meeting the growing needs of its industries. He visited the Lube blending plant and the newly inaugurated grease plant at the facility, which is the first such plant in Sri Lanka. The Managing Director briefed him on the plans for the joint development of the Upper Tank Farms by LIOC and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
Later in the day, High Commissioner met the Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne and Commandant of the Air Force Academy Air Commodore Asela Jayasekera. He interacted with the Technical Team from the Indian Navy which is supporting the Sri Lankan Armed Forces with operations of the Dornier aircraft gifted by India to Sri Lanka on 15 August this year to strengthen the maritime security of Sri Lanka and contribute to the overall security of the region.
Attesting to India’s ongoing commitment to the people of Sri Lanka, during the two-day visit, the High Commissioner donated humanitarian ration packages to 400 low-income families in Batticaloa and Trincomalee. The event at Batticaloa was held in the presence of S. Viyalanderan, State Minister of Trade. The event at Trincomalee was attended by MP Kalaiyarasan on behalf of MP and leader of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) R. Sampanthan. At both places, the organizers expressed their gratitude for the donations and India’s unstinted support for the people of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner said that India, like a twin brother, has and will always stand by Sri Lanka, especially in times of need.
