Colombo, June 4: The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka presented IT equipment and related materials to the ancient Dambulla cave temple on Thursday. This initiative aims to incorporate modern methods and technology into traditional Buddhist education at the Pirivena.
High Commissioner Santosh Jha shared on the social media platform X, “We have donated IT equipment and related materials to the renowned Dambulla cave temple, specifically to the Welagamba Mahapirivena. This will enable the use of modern techniques and tools in traditional Buddhist education.”
He emphasized, “Our shared commitment to promoting Buddhist heritage and values is the strongest evidence of our enduring relationship and partnership in civilization.”
On Wednesday, the High Commissioner also provided assistance to the fishing community in Jaffna. He noted on X, “In support of coastal livelihoods, we extended help to the fishing community in the Kates Division of Jaffna. We informed them about India’s initiatives in the fishing sector, including the development of Point Pedro Harbor, the Karainagar Boatyard, a Center of Excellence in the Northern Province, training opportunities for fishermen, and the supply of motorcycles to fishing officials.”
He added, “We aim to create a better future for our fishing communities in the shared waters of the Palk Strait.”
The diplomat also visited the passenger ferry service operating between Nagapattinam in India and Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Sri Lanka. He stated, “We are connecting the coasts of India and Sri Lanka! To support operational sustainability, India is providing over LKR 300 million annually as a viability gap grant for ferry operations.”
The Indian diplomat discussed the needs of the KKS modernization project, for which India has pledged $61.5 million to upgrade the harbor and promote regional trade and tourism.
He noted that this initiative is not limited to serving local communities but is also part of broader efforts to provide clean drinking water to major temples in the Northern Province, including Naguleshwaram, Selva Sannidhi, and Thiruketheeswaram.
He mentioned on X, “India is committed to people-centric initiatives that directly address the everyday needs of local communities in Sri Lanka.”
On Wednesday, the diplomat also visited a hybrid renewable energy systems site on Delft Island, stating, “Powering a sustainable future. This project, currently being implemented in three islands near Jaffna, including Analaitivu and Nainativu, integrates solar, wind, and battery storage for reliable 4.3 megawatts capacity with diesel backup.”
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