The transit housing project for pilgrims will come up in Sri Lanka’s Mannar district

In line with the commitment to carry out people-centric projects in Sri Lanka, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay laid the foundation stone for construction of 144 transit housing units for pilgrims in Mannar district through a grant of SLR 300 million by India.

The Indian High Commissioner laid the foundation jointly along with Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga in the presence of the Bishop of Mannar.

“High Commissioner laid the Foundation Stone for the construction of 144 transit housing units for pilgrims along with Hon. Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga in the presence of Most. Rev Dr. Emmanuel Fernando, Bishop of Mannar at the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu,” tweeted the High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka.



The Indian High Commissioner commenced his visit to the Northern Province by seeking blessings at the sacred Thiruketeeswaram Temple where he attended Shivratri Pooja and prayed for the people of Sri Lanka and India. Earlier, India had carried restoration work at the temple through a grant of SLR 326 million.

During the day, Baglay also offered prayers at Ramsethu, the bridge which is believed to have connected India and Sri Lanka for centuries. He prayed for reinforcement of strong bonds between the two countries, recalling their millennia-old links and historical structures in creating these links.

He also met with the Governor of the Northern Province, PSM Charles and other senior officials.

The Indian High Commissioner during the meeting focused upon cooperation for development of the Province through increased investment and assistance. India has a long history of development cooperation in the province.