Last week, the High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha, undertook a comprehensive visit to the Eastern Province (EP), engaging with key stakeholders across Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee districts. His discussions with Governor Senthil Thondaman and various MPs underscored the strategic importance of the Eastern Province in the bilateral partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Highlighting India’s commitment to the region’s development, the High Commissioner reviewed progress on numerous projects, including the construction of a Surgical Unit in Batticaloa Teaching Hospital and Model Village Housing Projects aimed at providing homes for vulnerable families.
During his visit, High Commissioner Jha emphasized the significance of ongoing discussions between the two governments to foster comprehensive development in Trincomalee, alongside multi-sectoral grant assistance initiatives spanning 33 projects across the province. Notable among these efforts is the construction of a 5,000 MT temperature-controlled warehouse in Dambulla, poised to significantly reduce post-harvest losses for local farmers. Additionally, the High Commissioner lauded initiatives by the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) to mitigate energy crises and boost local infrastructure, inaugurating a new LIOC fuel shed in Trincomalee.
Beyond infrastructural projects, the visit also encompassed cultural and community engagements, including visits to mosques, Buddhist temples, and homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a gesture of support to education, Jha announced a new financial assistance scheme for underprivileged students at Eastern University and distributed dry rations to hundreds of needy families. Underlining the importance of connectivity initiatives between India and Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner revealed plans for the resumption of ferry services between Nagapattinam and Jaffna, slated for May 13. With a firm commitment to collaborative efforts, the visit reaffirmed India’s readiness to bolster ties and foster shared prosperity in the Eastern Province.