In Jaffna Minister Krishna highlighted that even as focus on the immediate tasks of relief and rehabilitation, longer term reconstruction was equally important and that India will remain committed to this task as well. He underlined that as this region returns to peace and normalcy, one of the priorities of the governments of India and Sri Lanka is to resume the old ties and linkages of connectivity that existed between the two countries and with this in view, we have recently completed negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding on resuming ferry services, both from Colombo to Tuticorin and Talaimannar to Rameswaram.

Speaking at the inauguration in Hambantota, the Indian Minister said the opening of this Consulate General of India in Hambantota is reflective of India's desire to strengthen its linkages with a region of Sri Lanka with which India shares deep historical bonds.

Minister Krishna observed that Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has plans for developing Hambantota and its environs as a major regional hub and naturally, When India has decided to open a consulate in the South, they chose Hambantota.

The Minister said India is optimistic of the future of the region and the inauguration of the Consulate General in Hambantota is intended to build on India's linkages with the region in the field of trade and commerce, investments, culture and tourism.

"I am confident that India will take advantage of the industrial and commercial potential in and around Hambantota. We would encourage our private sector to participate in Hambantota's development by seizing the opportunities for investments," he emphasized.

He said the relations between the two countries are multifaceted and historical and the challenge has been to derive the full benefit of the proximity and exploit the full potential of their friendship and cooperation.

"With the shadow of the conflict lifting, I believe that the time has come when we can do that," he said.