Consulate General of India
Jaffna
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Press Release

Commemorating 60 Years of India-Sri Lanka Capacity Building Partnership through ITEC

1. High Commissioner of India, H.E. Santosh Jha along with Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing inaugurated the Model Village in Pilakudiyiruppu, Mullaitivu on 28th May 2025. Governor of Northern Province, Mr Nagalingam Vethanayahan, Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development Hon. R. H. Upali Samarasinghe, Hon. Members of Parliament Mr. Selvathambi Thilakanadan and Mr. Arumugam Jegaseeshwaran also participated in the event. Further, senior Officials from the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing of Sri Lanka, Northern Provincial Council and Mullaitivu District Administration, Chairman and senior officials from National Housing Development Authority along with the families of the beneficiaries attended the event.
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3. 2. Speaking at the event, High Commissioner H.E. Santosh Jha said that the Model Village in Pilakudiyiruppu is a symbol of India’s commitment to dignity, stability, and prosperity for all Sri Lankans. He noted that India supports development in key areas like housing, health, education, infrastructure and jobs.
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5. 3. High Commissioner H.E. Santosh Jha highlighted the robust and multi-dimensional ties between India and Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces. He cited several key initiatives demonstrating this strong connection, including the Jaffna Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre, various vocational training institutes, the Palmyrah Research Institute, student scholarships at the University of Jaffna and Eastern university, the Sampur Solar Power Project, and the Kankesanthurai Harbour development.
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7. 4. High Commissioner said this Model Village in Mullaitivu is part of a nationwide project, with similar villages already completed in 12 districts of Sri Lanka. With 96% of the work done, the aim is to bring homes and hope to every part of Sri Lanka. He also mentioned that recently, a similar Model Village was inaugurated in Jimbrown area of Mannar District, and added that India’s support is not just about building projects—it’s about building strong people-to-people ties through trade, technology, tourism, and tradition.
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Jaffna
28th May, 2025

Mullaitivu Distribution PR.docx