Carrying on with its support to Jaffna public library, the most known cultural landmark in northern Sri Lanka, India on 14th of this month handed over a consignment of books worth eight lakh Sri Lankan Rupees. India's gift contained more than 3300 books covering wide range of subjects like religion, economy, children's literature, sociology, economy, and popular literature.
The books were handed over by the High Commissioner Mr.Alok Prasad to Mr.M.S.Saravanabava, Municipal Commissioner of Jaffna at a function held at the Indian Cultural Centre, Colombo. The occasion was graced by Tamil Parliamentarians, representatives from Sri Lanka's Ministry of National Heritage and scholars and artistes.
Besides the gift to the public library, books on medical sciences, worth 1.27 lakh Rupees were gifted to the medical faculty of Jaffna University during the occasion.
Handing over the gifts the High Commissioner said that he is very proud to have associated with two great institutions of learning and knowledge in Sri Lanka - the Jaffna Public Library and the University of Jaffna.He recalled that India had been associated with the revival of Jaffna public library for the past few years. With today's consignment, India has contributed books worth more than 20 laks, he added. 'More than that it is our commitment to try and revive the great centre of knowledge and learning that Jaffna has always represented in Sri Lanka', Mr.Prasad said.
Mr.Suresh Premachandran, member of Parliament from Jaffna who attended the function said that it is heartening that India has come forward to help Jaffna Public library regain its past glory'. Recalling the burning down of the Jaffna library by miscreants in 1981 Mr.Premachandran said that it was a 'cultural genocide'. 'The library premises were turned into a grave yard of more than 9000 invaluable collection of literary heritage... it was shocking', he recalled. 'Now I am glad that the library has been renovated', Mr.Premachandran added.
Mr.Mawai Senadhiraja another Parliamentarian added that India's support will go a long way in helping Jaffna to regain its glory as a cultural centre.
The renovation of Jaffna Public library, in which India is actively involved, was carried out under the aegis of Sri Lanka's Ministry of National Heritage. The Secretary of the Ministry Mrs.Mallika Karunaratne said that she looks forward to continued Indian patronage to make Jaffna public library richer.
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High Commissioner for India to Sri Lanka Mr. Alok Prasad addressing the gathering |
Books worth SLRs.8.5 lack being gifted by High Commissioner to Mr. M.
Saravanabavan, Municipal Commissioner of Jaffna |
Books worth SLRs.1.27 lack being gifted by High Commissioner to Mr. K. Sivapalan,
MBBS, Ph.D, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna. |
Photos & write up by K.M.Ravindran Prasar Bhatrti Special Correspondent, Colombo.
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