India Treats Sri Lanka Like Family, Says High Commissioner

COLOMBO (News 1st); India's development assistance to Sri Lanka is driven by a sense of responsibility similar to that felt towards a family member, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha said, stressing on New Delhi's commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's long-term development and prosperity.

Addressing a ceremony in Mannar to launch the construction of an Accident and Emergency Unit at the Mannar District General Hospital, the Indian High Commissioner highlighted the close partnership between the two countries and pointed to a series of major infrastructure, healthcare, transport and renewable energy projects currently being implemented across Sri Lanka.

Jha noted that under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is advancing towards its vision of "Viksit Bharat" guided by the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas." He added that under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lanka has also embarked on a transformative journey towards becoming a thriving nation that offers a better quality of life for its people.

According to the High Commissioner, India and Sri Lanka have worked closely over the past two years on numerous initiatives aimed at helping turn that vision into reality.

He said the new Accident and Emergency Care Unit being constructed at the Mannar District General Hospital will ensure that residents have access to modern lifesaving emergency treatment and critical care services when every minute matters.

Jha emphasized that India has stood shoulder to shoulder with Sri Lanka and the Northern Province across every sphere of human development. He pointed to the ongoing implementation of a US$15 million railway signalling project that is expected to enable faster, safer and more seamless travel along Sri Lanka's northern railway corridor.

The High Commissioner also announced that work would soon begin to restore railway connectivity to the Central Province that was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah. He added that efforts are also underway to expand regional air and maritime connectivity between the two countries in order to strengthen people-to-people ties.

Highlighting India's growing contribution to Sri Lanka's renewable energy sector, Jha said hybrid renewable energy systems are currently being established on three islands off Jaffna. He noted that the project directly supports President Dissanayake's vision of transforming the islands into green energy islands.

Referring to India's broader development assistance programme, the High Commissioner recalled Prime Minister Modi's belief that assistance extended to Sri Lanka comes with a deep sense of duty and responsibility, much like the obligation one naturally feels towards a member of one's own family.

Reaffirming India's long-term commitment, Jha said New Delhi remains firmly dedicated to working closely with both the Government and people of Sri Lanka to promote the well-being and prosperity of all communities across the island.