Press release Deputy High Commissioner of India visits Mannar and Jaffna Districts

Deputy High Commissioner of India visits Mannar and Jaffna Districts

High Commission of India
Colombo

PRESS RELEASE

Deputy High Commissioner of India visits Mannar and Jaffna Districts

      Deputy High Commissioner Vinod K Jacob undertook a two- day visit to Mannar and Jaffna from 7 to 8 December 2020. During the visit, he inspected the progress at the ongoing construction of Indian project for construction of 144 transit houses for pilgrims at the Mannar Madu Church and at the up gradation of the historic Thirukeeteshwaram Temple. MoU for construction of transit houses at Mannar Madu Church was signed in August 2020 and is projected to be completed by September 2021 with an expected cost of SLR 290 million. At theThirukeeteshwaram Temple, Government of India has completed restoration of the maha mandapam and other works at a total cost of more than SLR 320million. These two projects are an important part of the continuing and highly successful development cooperation partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

2.  On 7 December, Deputy High Commissioner Jacob also called on theMost Rev. Bishop of Mannar, Dr. Emmanuel Fernando and exchanged views on the potential for development cooperation in the Mannar region. The following day (8 December 2020), Deputy High Commissioner participated in the grand opening ceremony of the 100 MW wind power project at Thambapawani in Mannar. This project, the first of its kind in Mannar, was dedicated to Sri Lanka by its Prime Minister, Hon’ble Mahinda Rajapaksa and involved the participation of Indian executives and workers in the implementing agencies.

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Colombo

9 December 2020