The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka , Ashok K. Kantha, visiting Trincomalee and Batticaloa reiterated India 's continuing commitment towards strengthening links with the people of the Eastern Province and assisting in addressing the challenges of development and reconstruction.

The High Commissioner visited the East last week to get first hand understanding of the ground situation and overlook various projects being executed in the Eastern Province with Indian help, reported the Hindu.

The High Commissioner inaugurated two Nenasalas (e-learning centers) in Puliyankulam and Kallad.

The Nenasalas are among 20 such centres launched in the East with Indian assistance with the objective of enhancing IT awareness and expanding information access to the public. The cost of the project is Rs.17 million.

The High Commissioner inaugurated a third rail-bus unit in Batticaloa and two more rail-bus units will be inducted into operation soon.

Altogether, India has assisted for five rail bus units which convert conventional buses to run on existing tracks. This is expected to enhance transport connectivity between Batticaloa and Trincomalee.

India has provided 10 Ashok Leyland buses at a cost of Rs.44 million and made available an additional Rs.22 million for conversion of these buses into five rail bus units. Two rail bus units are successfully in operation, reported the Hindu.

“When all rail bus units are commissioned, they will connect, through shuttle service, the towns of Trincomalee and Batticaloa with Gal Oya, which is already connected with the Sri Lankan rail network. This will fulfill the objective of connecting the Eastern Province with Colombo ”, quoting a statement from the Indian High Commission, the Hindu reported.

In addition, books and musical instruments worth Rs.550, 000 were handed over to the Institute of Aesthetic Studies of the Eastern University during the visit.