India and Sri Lanka have inherited a unique mix of numerous sophisticated cultures from ancient times. As a result of centuries of interaction between various communities in India and Sri Lanka, an enduring cultural affinity developed between them.
In line with the aforementioned, India and Sri Lanka have always cherished historical ties to strengthen the bilateral relationship, which is strategically crucial for both of these countries to forge ahead amidst challenges.
To promote bilateral ties following these historical perspectives, the Indian High Commission frequently maintains its presence in the hill country, the North and East of Sri Lanka and all other regions in the country.
Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, recently paid a significant and crucial visit to the Eastern province as part of a sustained effort to enhance relations between the two countries.
The High Commissioner had a variety of engagements, all of which consistently underlined the multifaceted nature of the India-Sri Lanka partnership.
High Commissioner Baglay set about his visit to the Eastern city of Batticaloa by officiating at the convocation ceremony of the Eastern University as the Chief Guest on October 1, 2022.
Ceremony
At the graduation ceremony, the High Commissioner unveiled a special financial assistance package to improve the learning skills and extend a helping hand to the studies of 100 university students from the backwoods of the community who are at the same time backwards economically.
The High Commissioner passionately called for enhanced cooperation in higher education and skills development through various initiatives under the auspices of the Government of India, including Indian technical and economic cooperation, and scholarships, in concurrence with Indian institutions of excellence.
High Commissioner Baglay looked into the progress of the surgical unit being developed at the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital using Government grants from India. The project, which is almost complete, is in keeping with the people-centric methodology of the development cooperation partnership between India and Sri Lanka that has resulted in projects in different fields, including wellbeing, schooling, and livelihood development in all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.
The High Commissioner also 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.
Since the Eastern province has a mix of communities, unlike in the North, the Indian High Commissioner made it a point to interact with the leaders of the Muslim community in the east.
Tradition
In keeping with tradition, the High Commissioner visited the Meththai Grand Jumma Mosque and Badriyyah Jum’ah Masjith at Kattankudy in Batticaloa and offered prayers for peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of India and Sri Lanka.
He unveiled the plaque of the Indo-Lanka Sufi Friendship Association and a media unit in Badriyyah Jum’ah Masjid. He interacted with the top-rung members of All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) and religious and community leaders at Meththai Grand Jumma Mosque.
Member of Parliament for Batticaloa district Govindan Karunakaran and Batticaloa Mayor Thiyagarajah Saravanapavan graced the occasion.
The High Commissioner also attended an event organised by the Lanka India Oil Company to mark the 153rd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) facility in Trincomalee.
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.
The Managing Director of LIOC, Manoj Gupta, thanked the High Commissioner for his presence at the LIOC facility and briefed him on the plans o the Lanka India Oil Corporation for further expansion and diversification of their business at Trincomalee.
The High Commissioner appreciated the role of the LIOC in ensuring energy security of Sri Lanka, especially in the last few months.
The High Commissioner said the LIOC met the growing requirements of the domestic industries of Sri Lanka by supplying quantities of fossil fuel. The High Commissioner also visited the lube blending plant and the newly inaugurated grease plant at the facility, which is the first such plant in Sri Lanka.
Managing Director of the Lanka India Oil Company (LIOC) Manoj Gupta also briefed the High Commissioner on the plans for the joint development of the upper tank farms by LIOC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.
Support
Later in the day, the High Commissioner met the Commander of the Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne, and the Commandant of the Air Force Academy, Air Commodore Asela Jayasekera.
High Commissioner Baglay also interacted with the technical team from the Indian Navy stationed in Trincomalee to support the Sri Lankan Security Forces with the operations of the Dornier aircraft.
The Dornier aircraft was a gift by India to Sri Lanka on August 15, 2022, to strengthen the maritime security of Sri Lanka and contribute to the overall safety 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 took place in the presence of S. Viyalanderan, State Minister of Trade. Member of Parliament Kalaiyarasan attended on behalf of the Member of Parliament and leader of Tamil National Alliance R. Sampanthan for the Trincomalee event.
At both places, organisers expressed their gratitude for the kind gesture that signified the close affinity between the two countries. They also appreciated the donations and India’s unstinted and unfailing support extended to 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.
During the current crisis India, unlike other countries in the region, came forward to support Sri Lanka with a financial package and a credit line that amounted to four billion US dollars.
The International Monetary Fund also had a word of appreciation for India for the assistance given during its hour of need.