COLOMBO – India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, undertook a two-day visit to the Southern Province from September 24 to 25, reaffirming India’s ongoing development partnership and cultural engagement with communities in the region.
On September 24, the High Commissioner inaugurated a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Plant at the District General Hospital in Hambantota. The facility, donated by the Government of India, is expected to benefit nearly 1,000 people daily, including patients, visitors, and hospital staff. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Hambantota joined the ceremony, underscoring the importance of the initiative for the local community.
The following day, Jha visited the Sri Vijayarama Purana Viharaya in Ambalangoda, Galle district. The temple, known for its intricate wooden craftsmanship and historic artefacts, is currently undertaking the installation of 80 wooden statues of the Buddha. The High Commissioner extended financial assistance to support the completion of this project, highlighting India’s commitment to preserving and promoting shared Buddhist heritage.
During his visit, the High Commissioner also inaugurated a free Ayurveda medical camp on the temple premises. Organized by the Consulate General of India in Hambantota in collaboration with the Southern Provincial Council, the camp provided hundreds of local residents with free consultations, check-ups, and medicines. The initiative was held in conjunction with the 10th Ayurveda Day celebrated by the Government of India.
Paying homage to Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions, the High Commissioner further visited the Wewrukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya in Dikwella and the Paravi Duwa Temple in Matara.
The visit formed part of the Indian High Commission’s wider outreach in the Southern Province. Earlier this month, Deputy High Commissioner Dr Satyanjal Pandey visited the Province, meeting with the Governor, Members of Parliament, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna, among others.
India has a long-standing record of development cooperation in the Southern Province. Notable projects include the construction of the 1,500-seat Rabindranath Tagore Auditorium at Ruhuna University, the establishment of smart classrooms and computer labs in 200 schools, and two ‘Gram Shakthi’ housing projects benefiting over 1,000 families.
-ENCL
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