India grants Rs 300 million for transit housing complex at Madhu Church in Mannar

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay laid the foundation stone for the construction of 144 transit housing units for pilgrims at the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in Mannar today under an Indian grant assistance of Rs 300 million,

Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga, Bishop of Mannar Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Fernando and three Members of Parliament - Selvam Adaikkalanathan, K. Kader Masthan and Kulasingam Dhileeban also took part in the event, according to Indian High Commission in Colombo.

High Commissioner Bagley who commenced his four day visit to North and Eastern provinces started his visit by attending Shivratri Pooja at the sacred Thiruketeeswaram Temple.

After offering prayers at the Temple, the High Commissioner reviewed the restoration project that was carried out by the government of India at the Temple. It would be recalled that this project was executed on a grant basis at a cost of SLR 326 million.
 
The High Commissioner also prayed at Ramsethu (Adam’s bridge) – a connecting bridge between India and Sri Lanka over several centuries on the same day.
 
He held a luncheon meeting with  Governor of the Northern Province  P.S.M Charles,and other senior functionaries from the Province. They had comprehensive discussions on deeper engagement in the fields of education, skill development, health, agriculture, water and fishing.

The High Commissioner also attended a dinner hosted in his honour by Mr. S. Balachandran, Consul General of India in Jaffna. He interacted with prominent dignitaries from political, economic, academic, social and cultural spheres.