Sept 25, Trincomalee: The Government of India in a measure to develop educational facilities in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka has granted US$ 2.4 million worth equipment to the Trincomalee Campus of the Eastern University and to 261 schools in the Province.

The Indian government in an initiative to assist Sri Lanka in promoting traditional medicine forms has provided 105 million rupees worth grant assistance to equip the Siddha Faculty in the Trincomalee campus of Sri Lanka's Eastern University to carry out research and studies in the field of Siddha medicine.

Under the grant assistance, the Government of India has supplied laboratory equipment, computers, reference books, anatomical models and charts, a bus and a jeep for the use in the Siddha Faculty.

The High Commissioner of India Ashok K. Kantha in a ceremony held Saturday (24), at the Trincomalee Campus of Eastern University handed over the Indian grant assistance to the Siddha Faculty, Indian High Commission in Colombo said in a press release.

Speaking at the occasion, the High Commissioner has noted that the successful completion of the project has a deep symbolic value as the traditional knowledge of Auyurveda and Siddha is an important part of the common civilizational heritage of both countries.

He said that India and Sri Lanka should work closely and share their experience and expertise in these areas, which were receiving increasing attention in both countries. He suggested that the faculty and students of Eastern University could benefit from training under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Colombo Plan.

He indicated India's readiness to assist in further development of the Trincomalee Campus.

The Indian government has also provided 1,260 computers and 218 laser printers, along with their software and peripherals worth 160 million rupees to 261 schools in the Eastern Province.

The High Commissioner in a ceremony held at the Vivekanand College in Trincomalee later on Saturday handed over the computers and printers to the principals of nine schools in the Province. HCL, an Indian company, has supplied the computers.

Addressing the function, Mr. Kantha said that the provision of computers for 261 schools was a gesture of friendship made with the hope that it would help address the issue of digital divide and improve the quality of education in the Eastern Province. He suggested that the Provincial Council consider providing internet connectivity to as many of those 261 schools as feasible, since that would make it possible for their students to access new avenues of knowledge in the outside world.

The High Commissioner noted that the main focus of India's development partnership in the Eastern Province in recent years has been on rehabilitation of war affected families, improving connectivity, education, capacity building, and infrastructure development.

Outlining the main projects undertaken by India in the Eastern Province in the recent past under its developmental partnership with Sri Lanka, the High Commissioner said the Indian government has agreed to provide a concessional credit line of US$ 200 million to the Government of Sri Lanka in connection with the 500 MW power plant which is proposed to be set up as a joint venture between NTPC of India and CEB at Sampur in Trincomalee.

He expressed hope the project at Sampur would give a major boost to the economic development of the Eastern Province. in the fast-growing development partnership between the two countries.

Rear Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama, Governor of the Eastern Province in his remarks said that the relationship between the two countries is at an all-time high. He highlighted various development assistance projects being implemented under Indian assistance and thanked India for its continued support. Noting that education is an important area of development cooperation between the two countries, he highlighted the assistance provided by India in English language training.

Referring to the Joint Exercises conducted by the Navies of India and Sri Lanka off the coast of Trincomalee, the Governor expressed his appreciation for training received by the personnel of the Sri Lankan armed forces at various Indian institutions.

The Chief Minister of Eastern Province, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan expressed his gratitude for generous assistance provided by Government of India for the Eastern Province. Other distinguished speakers also echoed similar sentiments.

Provincial Minister of Education Wimalaweera Dissanayake, Chairman of Eastern Provincial Council H. M. M. Faiz, Deputy Minister of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs M.K.A.D.S. Gunawardena, Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education Dr. Sunil J. Navaratne, Competent Authority of Eastern University Prof N. R. Arthenayake, Acting Vice Chancellor of Eastern University Dr. K. Premakumar, officials from the University and Provincial Government and students participated in the ceremonies.