HIGH COMMISSIONER for India in Sri Lanka Mr Ashok K. Kantha last Friday (19) took time off to visit Mullaittivu and Vavuniya, in order to see for himself the progress regarding living conditions of the newly re-settled displaced persons and their needs, if any.
The diplomat and his retinue on arrival at Oddusuddan Maha Vidyalaya under 64 Division were received by Major General Athula Jayawardana, Security Forces Commander Mullaittivu and conducted to the school auditorium for a special discussion with Major General Jayawardana, 64 Division General Officer Commanding, Assistant Divisional Secretary for Oddusudan and Grama Seva officials. The discussion centered on additional needs of those re-settled civilians. High Commission officials made inquiries regarding health, welfare and housing requirements and assured their continued help for them. Mr Kantha freely moved about in the school compound and had a frank exchange of views with children studying at Oddusuddan Maha Vidyalaya before he left for Wattappalai village.
The visiting Indian delegation received blessings afterwards during a special Pooja at Wattappalai Hindu Temple before they attended another community service project. During a ceremony at Wattappalai Grama Seva officer’s office, the visiting delegates joined others in donating some roofing sheets, agricultural equipment, furniture and household items to newly re-settled people. It followed a discussion between visiting officials and those civilians. The delegation assured more assistance by way of building materials, medical requirements, fishing equipment and other essentials to those civilians in the future, too.
Before their arrival in Mullaittivu, the High Commissioner and his retinue visited Vavuniya. They were received on arrival by Major General Kamal Gunarathne, Commander Security Forces Wanni and Competent Authority for Resettlement of IDPs in the North. As the first leg of their tour, the delegation visited Manik Farm welfare village and observed production process of artificial Jaipoor limbs in the relief village. Wanni Commander gave the delegation a comprehensive account on government’s IDP re-settlement programme and developments in progress. Former Minister for Social Services and Social Welfare Mr Douglas Devananda was also associated with the visits.
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