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| Tuesday, 19 October 2004 |
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Senkadagala group corr. Sri Lanka India Cultural Association (SLICA) of the Central Province recently hosted a dinner at Queens Hotel, Kandy to bid farewell to the outgoing Assistant Indian High Commissioner Archal K. Malhotra and Madam Anita Malhotra. Malhotra speaking on the occasion said the relationship between India and Sri Lanka dates back to over 2500 years. However, he said there had been times when this relationship had been strained. He said in the late 1980s when our relationship for various reasons was at a very low ebb, it was a vary courageous act, by some personalities in Kandy to take the bold step to form the Sri Lankan-Indian Cultural Association of the Central Province. Since then, it has made great strides and today, it is a very strong association in Kandy. He said, in various ways, he has continued to support the Association. He wished, that his successors too would continue the same tradition. Further, he went on to say, that there is some misconception in the minds of some, that the Assistant Indian High Commission in Kandy is meant entirely to look after the interest of estate labourers of Indian origin. He said, way back in 1923, during the Colonial period, the Assistant Indian High Commission was established for the purpose of looking after the interest of Indian estate labour. But since independence, this concept has been gradually changed. With the Sirima-Sastri Pact, rehabilitation work programme of those living in estates has been handled by the Assistant Indian High Commission in Kandy. Today, apart from this work cultural activities has been promoted through Assistant Indian High Commission in Kandy. The President of the SLICA Duncan Nugawela earlier delivering welcome address, briefly traced the origin of SLICA which he stated dates back to the early 1990s. The vote of thanks was proposed by M. C. Nadarajah, Secretary of SLICA. Kesara Senanayake, Mayor, Kandy, Shelton Ranaraja, Wijaya Wickramaratne (PC) also graced the occasion. |
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