The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha reviewed projects coming up with Indian assistance in the Eastern province, and handed over development assistance to war affected.
He toured all the three Eastern province districts, Trincomalee, Batticalao and Ampara, from May 24 to 27, and reviewed projects of Indian assistance currently being undertaken in the Province. He also held wide ranging discussions with various stakeholders to assess the impact of these projects on the ground and understand local priorities and requirements in order to further expand India’s development assistance.
The High Commissioner interacted with leaders and representatives of all political parties in the area, the SLFP, the UNP, the SLMC, the ACMC, the NC, the TNA and the TMVP as also religious leaders and members of civil society.
At Onthachimadam (Batticaloa), Chief Minister Sivenesathurai Santhirakanthan, and Mr. Kantha inaugurated a Vocational Training Centre set up under Indian assistance of LKR 76 million (2.5 LKR = 1 INR). The Centre will train persons for repair of outboard motors, tractors, agricultural implements, two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Earlier on 20 April, during the visit of the Parliamentary delegation from India, another Vocational Training Centre in Vantharamullai (Batticaloa) with a total assistance of SLR 250 million had been handed over.
Mr. Kantha handed over a total of 15 trishaws to war-affected women in two separate events at Valachennai (Batticaloa) and Akaraipattu (Ampara). During the event at Valachennai, the Chief Minister handed over certificates to 40 Master trainers under an Indian assisted project for training of war-affected women in various vocational skills for self-employment being implemented through SEWA. These Master trainers have undergone extensive training in India and will be imparting skills training in seven vocational trades to another 800 grassroot trainers in Eastern Province. The Project, which would continue till February 2014, is expected to make a significant impact towards empowerment of war-affected women in Eastern Province.
Mr. Kantha discussed implementation of the Housing Project, which would involve construction of about 4,000 houses in the Eastern Province, with various stakeholders, including potential beneficiary communities, a High Commission release said.
The High Commissioner offered floral tributes at the renovated statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Batticaloa.