Indian consulate in Jaffna to engage more with regional media

The Indian consulate in Jaffna in the future will regularly interact with media persons in Jaffna, the Indian High Commission has said in a media statement on Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay’s visit to Northern and Eastern Provinces.

On the second day of his visit, the High Commissioner met with a few prominent media persons over a luncheon hosted by the Consul General of India in Jaffna. In this meeting those gathered spoke of the significance of freedom of speech and expression for democracy.

“The suggestion to establish a platform for regular interaction of media with the Consulate was welcomed,” the High Commission said.

On the same day the High Commissioner met the Mayor of Jaffna V. Manivannan and visited the Jaffna Cultural Centre, built under India’s grant assistance.

“The building, whose design celebrates close architectural and cultural links with India, is intended to serve as a people – centric hub of cultural activities that reinforce civilization heritage and cross-Strait ties. Discussions of the High Commissioner at the Centre included various aspects of its functioning under joint management after early inauguration,” the press release said.

The High Commissioner also spoke to Jaffna businesspersons on promoting investment from India in infrastructure, energy and manufacturing, skills development, agriculture and food processing, fisheries and tourism.

“The High Commissioner reiterated India’s readiness to support all such mutually beneficial initiatives. He emphasized that enhancing sea and air connectivity, through development of the KKS Harbour and expansion of the Palaly airport will bring greater economic benefits and prosperity to the region,” the High Commission said.

The day High Commissioner and Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General Priyantha Perera, and other senior Officers of Sri Lanka Army also paid homage to the India Army soldiers who died in Sri Lanka after the Indo – Sri Lanka Peace Accord was signed, “for the cause of peace in Sri Lanka.”