By Srinivas Iyer
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, undertook a two-day visit to the Southern Province on September 24–25, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening healthcare, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting community development initiatives in the region.
The High Commissioner inaugurated a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Plant at the District General Hospital in Hambantota on September 24. Donated by the Government of India, the plant will provide safe drinking water to nearly 1,000 people daily, including patients, staff, and visitors. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Hambantota joined the occasion, which highlighted India’s continued assistance to enhance public health infrastructure in the province.
The following day, the High Commissioner visited Sri Vijayarama Purana Viharaya in Ambalangoda, Galle district. The temple, known for its ancient wooden artifacts, is undertaking the installation of 80 wooden statues of Lord Buddha. Extending financial support for the project, the High Commissioner emphasized India’s commitment to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual traditions.
He also inaugurated an Ayurveda medical camp organized at the temple premises. The camp was jointly hosted by the Consulate General of India in Hambantota and the Southern Provincial Council, and coincided with the 10th Ayurveda Day celebrations by the Government of India. Hundreds of local residents benefitted through free consultations, check-ups, and distribution of Ayurvedic medicines.
During the visit, the High Commissioner offered prayers at Wewrukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya in Dikwella and the Paravi Duwa Temple in Matara. These visits reflected the cultural and religious ties that have long strengthened people-to-people connections between India and Sri Lanka.
The outreach builds on earlier engagements in the province. Earlier in September, Deputy High Commissioner of India, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, met provincial leaders and held discussions with the University of Ruhuna on furthering collaboration in education and research.
India’s development initiatives in the Southern Province include the construction of the 1,500-seat Rabindranath Tagore Auditorium at Ruhuna University, establishment of smart classrooms and computer labs in 200 schools, and Gram Shakthi housing projects benefiting over 1,000 families. Through these initiatives, India continues to reinforce its role as a reliable partner in the progress, welfare, and cultural enrichment of Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.
