High Commission of Sri Lanka in India

High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Prasad Kariyawasam called on the Hon. Speaker of the Lok Sabha Smt. Meira Kumar in Parliament House on 20 August 2010.

Sri Lanka and India exchanged Notes to establish two Indian Consulate General offices in Jaffna and in Hambantota on 20th August 2010 at the Ministry of External Affairs. The proposed Consulate General of India in Jaffna will cover the five districts of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, namely, Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar. The proposed Consulate General of India in Hambantota would cover the districts of Galle, Matara, Hambantota and Moneragala.

The Notes were signed by the External Affairs Ministry Secretary C.R.Jayasinghe on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha on behalf of the Government of the Republic of India.

Secretary Jayasinghe stated that the opening of the two Indian Consulate offices will further strengthen the close and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and India. He further said that the people to people contact is important for the two countries and will further enhance bilateral relations. He also thanked India for the assistance provided to Sri Lanka.

High Commissioner Kantha, appreciating the support extended by the Government of Sri Lanka said that Sri Lanka is an important country with which India has continued to have historical contacts. The opening of the two new Consulates in Sri Lanka will further expand India’s partnership with Sri Lanka and that he looked forward to working closely with the Sri Lankan authorities.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa  inaugurated the historic 'Karadiyawara Mangallaya', the water filling of the Hambantota harbour basin (15 Aug).

This is the first time in history that a harbour basin, built inland, is filled with water through a breakwater. This completes the first phase of the Hambantota Port project allowing entry to international shipping.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message marking the occasion expressed confidence that the Port will contribute much to the national economy benefiting not only the Southern people but also the entire country including the North and East.

The Hambantota Port is the most significant of ports built in the country as a part of realizing the goals in Mahinda Chintana, to make Sri Lanka a centre of marine, aviation, commerce, energy and knowledge. It is also a part of the massive development projects currently underway in Hambantota such as the establishment of the Hambantota Airport, the International Cricket Stadium, the International Assembly Hall and the extension of the railway from Hambantota to Kataragama.

Visitors were allowed to the port premises from4am today without hindrance. Hundreds of people flocked to the location to have a glimpse of the water filling.

People were allowed to wade in the water when a small quantity of water was allowed into the harbour basin. This is an opportunity afforded once in a lifetime. Gradually, the basin will be filled to the required water level.

The Port of Hambantota, once completed, will provide a gamut of services to function as an international shipping centre.

As with every month of the year, the full moon day that falls on the month of August commemorates occurrences of Buddhist significance. This day named Esala Poya, signifies many events including the preaching of the Buddha's first sermon. (However according to the lunar calendar of this year Esala Poya falls a month ahead, in July). All over the island festivities are conducted in accordance and amongst them all the most revered and famous is the Kandy Esala Perahera - a rich and vibrant cultural celebration. Its origins date back to the 18th century during the time of the last reigning king of Sri Lanka, King Rajasinha of Kandy.

With months of preparation leading up to the public spectacle of colours, lights, dances and reverence the pageant extends through a period of 15 days. The procession is closely linked with the sacred Temple of the Tooth or "Dalada Maligawa" in Kandy. The Perahera brings together the honed skills of 1500 performers from all walks of life to form a tandem procession that draws throngs of crowds to witness the many facets of the celebration. Apart from the traditional dances of Sri Lanka, the pageant features whip crackers, fire eaters, fireball acrobats, flag bearers, musicians and drummers and up to 100 elephants and tuskers.