Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, recently awarded scholarships to students at the University of Jaffna as part of India’s initiative to support economically disadvantaged students. This program, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka’s visit in December 2024, provides financial aid of LKR 7,500 per month to 100 undergraduates throughout their degree, with a plan to extend this support to 400 students annually.
Jha emphasized that this scholarship scheme underscores India’s dedication to fostering a prosperous future in line with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. In addition to the scholarships, he visited the Jaffna Public Library, where he donated books to promote knowledge sharing and learning among the youth.
Furthermore, the High Commissioner inaugurated a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Plant at the Keerimalai Naguleshwaram Temple in Kankesanturai, Sri Lanka. This initiative, aimed at serving the community, highlights the strong bonds between India and Sri Lanka, with a focus on people-centric development in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
During his visit, Jha also toured the Atchuvely Industrial Estate in Jaffna, which was established with a grant of SLR 220 million from India in 2015. He expressed satisfaction at witnessing the growth of local industries, job creation, and economic progress in the region, reaffirming India’s commitment to supporting impactful projects in Sri Lanka for a mutually beneficial future.
