PR 47

Government of India has conveyed to Government of Sri Lanka its decision to extend a Line of Credit of US$ 425 million to the Government of Sri Lanka for the following three projects:

1. Track laying by IRCON (I) Ltd. on the Omanthai-Pallai sector of the Northern railway line;
2. Track laying by IRCON (I) Ltd. on the Madhu-Tallaimannar sector; and
3. Supply of rolling stock by RITES for Northern Sri Lanka.

The decision is part of India’s continued commitment to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in northern Sri Lanka and reflects the close and cordial bilateral relations shared by the two countries.

Colombo 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PR - 46

 On 17 December, 2009 the High Commission of India held a reception at Hotel Taj Samudra to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Minister of Education of Independent India, and celebrate International Students’ Day.  Over 300 Sri Lankan Alumni of Indian institutions attended the reception. The Minister for Higher Education, Hon. Prof. Wishwa Warnapala graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Besides, Hon. Mr. P. Radhakrishnan, Deputy Minister for Vocational Training; Hon. Mr. V. Radhakrishnan, Minister of Education for Central Province; Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education, Mrs. Rupa Malini Peiris, and Vice Chancellors and academics of a number of leading Sri Lankan Universities were also present.

 In his remarks, Prof. Warnapala highlighted the achievements and contributions of Maulana Azad in the field of education and made a special mention of the close educational linkages between Sri Lanka and India.  He thanked India for assistance extended to Sri Lanka in the field of education.  The High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, emphasized in his remarks the importance of education as a link between India and Sri Lanka and noted that India was keen on making education a core area of cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. He also noted that such a large body of Sri Lankan students educated in India was a source of pride to India and an invaluable asset in promoting ties of friendship and goodwill between the two countries. He added that the High Commission looked forward to working together with Sri Lankan alumni of Indian institutions for promoting goodwill and people to people contacts and understanding between the two countries.

 A short cultural programme was also presented by the Indian Cultural Centre on this occasion.

 India has emerged as a favourite destination for students worldwide for higher education on account of the quality education afforded at a reasonable prices by Indian Universities and other institutions for higher education. This is especially true for Sri Lankan students on account of physical proximity and the age old ties between the two countries.

Colombo

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PR 45

The High Commission of India, Colombo and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations announce the offer of forty (40) scholarships for Sri Lankan Nationals under the “Scheme of Scholarship for Nationals of Sri Lanka” for undergraduate courses in various Indian universities, for academic sessions commencing during 2010.

The selection of meritorious young Sri Lankan nationals for these scholarships will be done by the High Commission of India, in consultation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Higher Education has invited application from eligible candidates and the last date for submission of duly filled up application forms is  04th January, 2010

All scholarships cover full tuition fees for the entire duration of the course.  Scholars are also paid a monthly sustenance allowance, accommodation allowance and an annual grant for books and stationary.  In addition, they are provided full healthcare facilities, first class train fare and an annual grant for educational tours to various parts of the country, apart from several other auxiliary benefits.

Further details of the above scholarships and application forms can be down loaded  from the Ministry of Higher Education website www.mohe.gov.lk or from the website of the High Commission of India at hcicolombo.org

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PR 44

A 10-day teachers’ training programme by 10 resource persons from the Gandhigram Rural University of India was conducted from 5 – 14 December 2009 in Kandy and Hatton.  The training programmes were conducted as part of an initiative put in place by the Government of India in 2006, under which resource persons in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and English visit Sri Lanka for training Sri Lankan teachers in these fields in various schools.  This year, the training programme for English, Maths and Biology was conducted in Trinity College, Kandy while the training programme in Physics and Chemistry was conducted in SIDA Centre, Hatton.  Nearly 200 teachers from the Central and Uva Provinces joined the 10-day programme, which was organized with the cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the Central Province.  This year’s programmes focused on the “Methodology of Teaching” and were greatly appreciated by the trainee teachers who familiarized themselves with new teaching methods and learnt about new concepts of presenting subjects and solving problems.  

Twenty teachers in the abovementioned five disciplines have been selected for a further 4-week training programme at the National Institute for Technical Teachers’ Training and Research in Chennai, which will be held in January-February 2010. 

Colombo 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PR 43

The inaugural India-Sri Lanka Foundation debate between the University of Delhi and the University of Colombo was held at 1700 hrs on Wednesday, 16th December 2009 at the Senate Hall of the University of Colombo successfully.  The topic of the debate was – “Environmental Degradation Stems from Poverty”.  The debate was between a three member team representing each side. The topic was proposed by University of Colombo and opposed by University of Delhi.  Mr. Sachintha Dias from Faculty of Law, University of Colombo was adjudged the best debater of the contest. 

The debate was well received and attended by the Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, representatives from the University Grants Commission, eminent academics and students. Speaking on the occasion, the High Commissioner of India, H.E. Ashok K Kantha, expressed his hope that the debate would become an annual event to be held alternately in India and Sri Lanka.  The next edition of the debate will be hosted by the University of Delhi during 2010.

 

The India-Sri Lanka Foundation is an inter-governmental trust set up by the Governments of India and Sri Lanka to foster bilateral relations through the enhancement of economic, scientific, educational, technical and cultural cooperation.  The Management and direction of the Foundation is vested in a six member Board of Directors, which is co-chaired by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India.  

The Foundation has taken the initiative to organize this debate as a way of fostering friendly people-to-people contact between the two countries and to broaden the horizons of specific students and Universities.

Colombo 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PR 42

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Government of India and Government of Sri Lanka on Time Service Project was signed by H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India and Mrs. M.B.A. Ekanayake, Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of Sri Lanka at Colombo today.  

Under the MOU, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), a Government of India organization under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of India along with Sir Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies in Sri Lanka will set up a GPS clock, a Tele-clock transmitter and a Tele-clock receiver.  The instruments would be set up within the auspices of Sir Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies in Sri Lanka.  The instrument has been developed by the NPL and has been in operation in India for many years.  

The installation of the instruments would assist in maintaining accuracy of time for a wide variety of users.  It will assist scientists involved in scientific measurement and study, astronomical observations, space missions and so on.   The instruments will also assist in accurate time keeping by end-users in railway networks, airports, public displays, supermarkets, government organizations, television channels and also the general public.

The project is being implemented as part of our cooperation within the ambit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.  As part of India’s contribution to SAARC, this project has been implemented in a number of SAARC member countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, in addition to Sri Lanka.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

PR 41

The India-Sri Lanka Foundation is proud to announce the holding of the inaugural India-Sri Lanka Foundation debate between the University of Delhi and the University of Colombo.  The debate will be held at 1700 hrs on Wednesday, 16th December 2009 at the Senate Hall of the University of Colombo.  The topic of the debate is – “Environmental Degradation Stems from Poverty”.  

The University of Delhi will be represented at the debate by a team consisting of Mr. Vishwajoy Mukherjee (President Debating Society, Ramjas College), Mr. Saaduzzaman (Member Debating Society, Ramjas College) and Mr. Zubin Ray (President Debating Society, Kirori Mal College).  The University of Colombo will be represented by Ms. Shamalie Jayatunge (Faculty of Law), Ms. Sachintha Dias (Faculty of Law) and Ms. Shehara Mendis (Faculty of Medicine).  The debate will be moderated by Mr. Luwie Ganeshathasan, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo.  

The India-Sri Lanka Foundation is an inter-governmental trust set up by the Governments of India and Sri Lanka to foster bilateral relations through the enhancement of economic, scientific, educational, technical and cultural cooperation.  The Management and direction of the Foundation is vested in a six member Board of Directors, which is co-chaired by the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India.  

The debate is a recent initiative by the Foundation, one that is expected to turn into a much awaited annual event to be held alternatively in India and Sri Lanka.

Colombo 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PR 40

Hon’ble Basil Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament and Senior Adviser to the President, H.E. Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President, H.E. Mr Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary visited New Delhi between 9-10 December 2009 and met with Shri M.K. Narayanan, National Security Adviser, Smt. Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary and Shri Pradeep Kumar, Defence Secretary. They also called on the External Affairs Minister Shri S.M.Krishna.

Both sides reviewed the ongoing relief, rehabilitation and resettlement efforts in Northern Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan side mentioned that more than 1,58,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have since left the camps and around 1,15,000 remained. The Sri Lankan side detailed to the Indian side the steps initiated to resettle the IDPs in their original places of habitation. They indicated their resolve to resettle the IDPs before end-January 2010. Welcoming the initial steps taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to relax movement and travel restrictions on IDPs, the Indian side expressed the hope that the IDPs would resume their livelihood and return to a life of normalcy. 

The Sri Lankan side thanked the Indian side for the substantial assistance being provided by India for the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the commendable work done by the 60-member Indian Field Hospital at Menik Farm, Vavuniya, where more than 50,000 patients were treated. The contribution of 2.5 lakh family packs sent by the Government of Tamil Nadu to the IDPs was appreciated. The Indian side emphasized that, with a view to ensure the return of the IDPs to their homes and resumption of their livelihood, it had enhanced the number of Indian de-mining teams in the area, provided additional quantity of shelter material and agricultural starter packs and was now in the process of providing cement bags for reconstruction of damaged houses of IDPs. These gestures were welcomed by the Sri Lankan side.

Both sides recognized the importance of sustaining peace and moving towards a political solution in Sri Lanka. The Indian side welcomed the holding of local elections in Jaffna and Vavuniya. Both sides agreed on the need for political arrangements which would serve the legitimate interests and meet the aspirations of all Sri Lankan citizens. The Sri Lankan side reiterated the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to a political process that would lead to lasting peace and reconciliation. 

Both sides agreed on the need for restoration of infrastructure and services in the North and East Sri Lanka and welcomed the participation of Indian companies in these projects. 

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the visit of a delegation of Tamil Parliamentarians to Sri Lanka and the access given to them by Sri Lanka to visit IDP camps in Vavuniya. The delegation had also visited Jaffna and the Up-country areas. They called on H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Noting the salutary effect, which the October 2008 Joint Statement on Fishing Arrangements has had on issues relating to fishing, the two sides agreed to continue to adhere to these arrangements and also agreed to convene the Joint Working Group on Fishing Cooperation to continue discussions on the draft MOU to put in place an institutional arrangement.

New Delhi

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PR 39

I rise to inform the House of the recent developments in Northern Sri Lanka.
 
Hon’ble Members would recall that conclusion of the military conflict in Northern Sri Lanka presented Sri Lanka with an opportunity to heal the wounds created by decades of protracted conflict, to make a new beginning and to build a better future for its people. 
 
Government of India had emphasized to the Sri Lankan Government that the time had indeed come to focus on issues of relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and reconciliation. We had expressed our readiness to work with the Government of Sri Lanka in the rehabilitation and reconstruction process of Northern Sri Lanka and in restoring normalcy. 
 
In the aftermath of the conflict, the presence of nearly 300,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps in Northern Sri Lanka posed a major challenge for the Sri Lankan Government. It was crucial that these IDPs were given immediate humanitarian attention and that urgent steps were taken to resettle them in their original places of habitation. This would, ultimately, ensure that a semblance of normalcy was restored to their lives after the traumatic experience they had undergone during the conflict. Their welfare was the first priority.

Our concern on this score was conveyed to the Sri Lankan Government. We have consistently urged the Government of Sri Lanka to quicken the pace of rehabilitation and resettlement. They had agreed that the bulk of the IDPs would be resettled within 180 days. 
 
In October this year, a delegation of Parliamentary Members from Tamil Nadu had visited Sri Lanka to study the rehabilitation and relief work being undertaken in Northern Sri Lanka. They had visited Jaffna, the IDP camps in Vavuniya, the Up-country Plantation areas in Central Sri Lanka and met the IDPs in the camps, witnessed the distribution of the humanitarian relief items donated by India and held discussions with a cross-section of the leaders of the Sri Lankan Tamil community and the Indian Origin Tamils. They called on the President of Sri Lanka H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa. 
 
Subsequent to their visit, more than 100,000 IDPs have been resettled. According to Sri Lankan Government sources, a total of more than 150,000 IDPs have been resettled and around 145,000 still remain in the camps. We understand more have been resettled recently. Travel restrictions in Northern Sri Lanka as well as those on the remaining have been relaxed. We have been assured that by end-January 2010, all IDPs would be resettled. We continue to work with the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the resettlement of all IDPs.

India has been actively involved in the critical task of providing humanitarian relief and assisting in the rehabilitation of the IDPs in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka. 2.5 lakh family packs from Tamil Nadu, consisting of dry rations, clothing, utensils, footwear etc, have been rushed to the IDPs since October last year. The 60-member emergency field hospital set up by India in March operated for six months till September this year and treated more than 50,000 patients, many of them serious cases requiring surgery. Two consignments of medical supplies have also been gifted. 
 
After Prime Minister’s announcement in June 2009 in the Parliament, Government set aside an amount Rs. 500 crores for the rehabilitation of the IDPs and for the welfare of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka. We are committed to doing more. Our humanitarian effort in Sri Lanka has transitioned from a purely relief effort to a broader rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. In order to facilitate speedy resettlement of IDPs, India is extending much needed de-mining assistance. Four Indian de-mining teams are currently in Sri Lanka. After our Parliamentary delegation suggested enhancing Indian assistance in the field of demining, we are sending three more de-mining teams. To ensure that returning IDPs have a roof over their heads, India has donated 2,600 tonnes of shelter material. Additional 2,600 tonnes of shelter material is being sent. We will also supply cement to assist the returning IDPs to rebuild damaged housing. To address the vulnerable sections of the society emerging out of a military conflict, especially war widows, we are undertaking a project for their rehabilitation as well.

India has also decided to assist Sri Lanka in reviving agriculture in the North. To begin with 20,000 agricultural starter packs have been supplied. Supply of an additional 50,000 packs is in the pipeline. A team led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research visited Sri Lanka to work out a blueprint for our assistance to revive agriculture in Northern Sri Lanka. 
 
Infrastructure is a priority area. The extension of assistance under Lines of Credit to take up projects in railway infrastructure reconstruction in Northern Sri Lanka and provision of rolling stock is receiving our attention, as also construction projects in the North and East of Sri Lanka to rejuvenate the cultural and social life amongst the people. At the same time, the requirements of the up-country Indian Origin Tamils are also not lost sight of. Skill development and capacity building are areas of focus, as also vocational training and the provision of enhanced educational opportunities.

Government is keen to see the revival of the political process in Sri Lanka, which will meet the legitimate interests and aspiration of all communities, including the Tamils and the Muslims, within the framework of a united Sri Lanka. Revival of such a political process and an inclusive dialogue would help bring the minority communities into the political mainstream. We have continued to emphasise to the Sri Lankan Government to put forward a meaningful devolution package that would go beyond the 13th Amendment. We will remain engaged with them through this process of transition and reform. 
 
Before I conclude, I would like to reiterate to this august House that the welfare and the safety of our fishermen in the waters between India and Sri Lanka have always received very high priority by Government. Government and our High Commission in Sri Lanka have always taken up matters relating to the expeditious release of the arrested Indian fishermen. Hon’ble Members would recall that it was with a view to address the humanitarian and livelihood dimensions of this issue that Government reached an Understanding with the Sri Lankan Government in October 2008 to put in place practical arrangements to deal with bonafide Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line. The Understanding of October 2008 has had a salutary effect on the situation. While in 2008, 334 boats and 1456 of our fishermen were apprehended by Sri Lankan Government, in 2009, till end of November, we have had only 31 boats and 124 fishermen apprehended, witnessing a sharp decrease. We have continued to emphasize to the Sri Lankan Government the need to scrupulously adhere to the October 2008 Understanding. However, it is important that our fishermen do not venture deep into Sri Lankan waters for their own safety and security.

Government attaches utmost importance to the rehabilitation and the reconstruction efforts being undertaken by Sri Lanka in the North. As a close neighbour, India continues to do whatever it can to assist Sri Lanka at this crucial turning point in the country’s history. 
 

New Delhi
December 4, 2009

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PR 38

High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha paid a courtesy call on Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition of Sri Lanka, Hon’ble Nimal Sripala de Silva on 2 December 2009. 

During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the support extended by the Minister and his Ministry on various projects being implemented by the Government of India in Sri Lanka. Particular mention was made of the services rendered by a team of Indian doctors who set up an Emergency Medical Unit at Pulmoddai in March 2009, and later in April 2009 at the Menik Farms in Vavuniya to look after the medical needs of the IDPs.

The High Commissioner also referred to close cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the pharmaceuticals sector.  He informed the Minister that this sector had become a major growth area and was regarded as one of the “sunrise” industries in India. In recent years, several Indian pharmaceutical companies had acquired a global presence and footprint indicating the industry’s growing strength. The High Commissioner added that Government of India attached high importance to maintaining stringent quality controls and standards in this sector, and had set up robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that this was maintained equally in case of products meant for domestic consumption as well as for exports. 

In this context, the High Commissioner referred to the recent ban imposed by the Government of Sri Lanka on some Indian pharmaceutical companies and noted that Indian companies had been the largest suppliers of pharmaceutical products to Sri Lanka and had an established their presence in the market over the last many years. There had been no complaints earlier regarding the quality and standards of supply by these companies. In light of this, the High Commissioner requested the Hon’ble Minister to review the ban imposed by Government of Sri Lanka recently and assured him that the relevant Indian companies will cooperate with the Sri Lankan government in all possible ways desired for a satisfactory redressal of alleged lapses. The High Commissioner also suggested that a visit of an Indian pharmaceutical delegation take place to Sri Lanka to discuss these issues and to create appropriate long term bilateral mechanisms with relevant Sri Lankan authorities. The delegation could also discuss possibilities of investments in this sector in Sri Lanka. The Hon’ble Minister welcomed the suggestion of the High Commissioner and agreed to receive the Indian delegation.

Colombo 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------