'Indo-Lanka ties remarkably improved'

Mahinda P.Liyanage. Galle Correspondent

'In recent times Indo-Sri Lanka relationship has remarkably improved due to close and cordial contact at highest political level, growing trade and investment, cooperation in the fields of development, education, culture and defense, with broader understanding between the two countries on major issues of international interest, Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasuriya said.

She was participating as chief guest at a reception accorded by the Consulate General of India in Hambantota to mark the 63rd Republic Day of India on January 26 at Eddistone Hall, Jetwing Light House Hotel, Galle. The occasion was attended by a host of prominent members of business community, regional community leaders, professionals in Galle, Matara and Hambantota, led by Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane, provincial ministers Chandima Rasaputra, and U. G. D. Ariyathilake and several regional political leaders.

The Governor said, India's fraternal support towards our government during the armed conflict between Sri Lankan forces and LTTE was immensely decisive and vital in defeating the terrorists. Even after the conclusion of the armed struggle, the Indian government displayed its highest positive concern over the major humanitarian challenge, with 300,000 Tamil civilians in camps for Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs). She said the |Indian government hurriedly launched a strong programme of assistance to help the IDPs return to normalcy. The governor who expressed her sentiment of homage and deep admiration to great Indian martyrs who campaigned against the foreign domination and cultural imposition on the Indian sub-continent, emphasized the impressive contribution of the womanhood of India such as female freedom fighters Rani Kakshmi Bhai, Sarojani Naidu, Inddira Ghnadhio, Kamala Nehru and Vijaya Lakshmi Oandith etc, who stood with unfailing courage shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts such as Mahattma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Mangal Pande etc.

Consul General of India K.N.Mohankumaran said that the ties between India and Sri Lanka have been further consolidated and strengthened during President Mahinda Rajapaksa's friendly visit to India during the World Cup and also with the number of recent visits by prominent Indian leaders including Indian External Minister M. K. Krisna and Former president Indian Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.