Speech of the Acting Consul General of India, Mr S.D. Moorthy
at India’s 68th Independence Day function in Jaffna on 15 August 2014
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This year, we celebrate our 68th Independence Day in the Consulate for the 4th time since its opening in November 2010.
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Many major developments and events took place in the last four years. We would like to recall the role of our former Consul General V. Mahalingam who took forward all India assisted welfare development projects in Northern Province during his tenure with great commitment and in humane manner.
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Indian development projects benefited thousands of people in the North who were in real need of support and assistance after the war. I wish to mention some of the projects such as Indian Housing Scheme, Atchuveli Industrial Estate which would be officially inaugurated shortly which create employment opportunities to thousands of people, 200 bed hospital in Vavunia which is to be completed soon, and also some of the upcoming projects namely setting up of Agriculture and Engineering Faculties at Jaffna University campus in Kilinochchi, renovation of Duraiappa stadium and Construction of Cultural Centre in Jaffna. The new Indian government has also pledged its continued support to the welfare projects being undertaken in the Province.
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Indian public sector undertakings IRCON, Indian Bank, State Bank of India and LIC Lanka Ltd have marked their presence felt by unstinted support to the economic progress of Northern Province.
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Yarl Devi is expected to arrive in Jaffna by middle of October. The Madu and Thalaimannar operation is expected to start by December 2014. Thanks to our IRCON friends who made us feel proud. Whenever we hear from people the experience of comfortable and smooth journey on the railway lines made by IRCON from Vavunia to Palai . We could understand the railway tracks laid by IRCON are of international standard and quality which would be appreciated by future travelers forever.
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Indian Housing Project launched in October 2012 has made tremendous progress. As of date, 14,514 houses have been completed and another 19,703 houses are in various stages of construction in Northern Province. Whenever we visit remote areas in Vanni to hand over the completed houses, the beneficiaries whole heartedly conveyed their gratitude to Government of India for the humanitarian support and their smiling face give us the feeling of satisfaction that our projects are a boon to those deserving people.
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Govt. of India has done a lot to uplift the lives of the people of Northern Province by taking part in development projects in association of Government of Sri Lanka. We would like thank the Hon’ble Governor, Hon’ble Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers, Chairman and Members of Northern Provincial Council and all government officials and our Implementing Agencies for their support and cooperation in carrying forward the India assisted welfare projects.
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We are happy to inform that the Consulate General of India is doing its part to promote fine arts and to strengthen the cultural relations by sponsoring cultural events and encouraging hundreds of upcoming young artists and students in the fields of dance and music. Third year in a row, we are glad to inform that two renowned artists from India – Ms Lavanya Anand, a famous Bharatnayam dancer and Mr Ramprasad, Karnatik Vocalist are going to conduct workshops for fine arts students of Northern Province and a dance and vocal performance at the Sankilian Thoppu during Nallur festival on 24th and 25th of this month. The event is named as Shubanubav – Divine Ecstasy – III.
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We wish to convey our hearty thanks to all fine arts teachers and students of Jaffna for honouring the Bharatnatyam legend Dr Padma Subramaniam who visited Jaffna a few weeks ago. The gesture proved how the Jaffnites hold the Indian artists in high esteem.
- I, on behalf of Consulate General of India, wish all of you a 68th Happy Independence Day and also thank all of you for joining in the celebrations in large numbers.
Thank you.
