Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay recently concluded a three-day visit to Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, underscoring New Delhi’s unwavering dedication to the nation’s development and the well-being of its people. The visit, from November 29 to December 1, included an assessment of the Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems project on islands off Jaffna—Nainativu, Analaitivu, and Delft—aimed at addressing the energy needs of the local inhabitants, supported by a grant from the Government of India.
This visit marked the High Commissioner’s final trip to Jaffna during his tenure in Sri Lanka, emphasizing India’s enduring commitment to the region’s development and the overall welfare of Sri Lankans. During the visit, Baglay inspected passenger facilities in Thalaimannar and Kankesanthurai as part of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity through ferry services between mutually agreed points in India and Sri Lanka.
Highlighting the significance of railway infrastructure development under the India-Sri Lanka cooperation partnership, the delegation, including senior diplomats, undertook a train journey from Colombo to Medawachiya. The journey showcased the upgraded railway line from Anuradhapura, implemented by Indian public sector company IRCON under an Indian credit line for the Maho-Omanthai segment’s upgrade.
In addition to inaugurating a program donating 1,000 school bags to Mannar District students and launching a financial assistance scheme for underprivileged students at the University of Jaffna, Baglay distributed dry rations to over 500 families in Jaffna and Delft Islands. He also provided deep freezers to 15 fishermen cooperatives, emphasizing India’s efforts to bring scientific research and expertise for sustainable fisheries development in the Northern Province.
At the Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) memorial in Jaffna, the High Commissioner paid homage to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the IPKF’s mandate under the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord of 1987, aimed at ending the civil war in Sri Lanka. Source: PTI
