Describing it as a “project of the future”, India on Saturday donated digital devices including 2,000 tablets worth Rs 300 million for use in 200 schools in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province.
At a ceremony in the southern district of Galle attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, the country marked a significant step towards educational modernisation, providing 200 smart classrooms and 2,000 tablets to 200 schools in the Southern Province.
“The Government of India has allocated Rs. 300 million to the Southern Provincial Council for this project at the request of the Minister of Health and Industries, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana. Out of the 200 selected schools, 150 are in the Galle district while the remaining 50 are in the Hambantota and Matara districts,” a statement issued by the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
Additionally, 2,000 tablets were distributed, with 10 tablets given to each of the 200 classes, the statement said.
Mr Wickremesinghe said, “We deeply appreciate the cooperation extended by our neighbour India in advancing modern technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed interest in setting up an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in Sri Lanka, which is highly commendable.”
“In addition, negotiations to enhance cooperation in the energy sector with India are progressing successfully,” he said.
Both Pathirana and Education Minister Dr. Susheel Premajayantha praised India’s assistance in their respective speeches.
Mr. Premajayanth also said, “Today, 200 schools in the Southern Province have been equipped with comfortable classrooms and 2,000 tablets. Going forward, schools will be digitalised, with 1,250 schools already connected.”
Mr Jha said, “As India’s neighbour, we continue to support Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka occupies an important place in our foreign policy. India remains steadfast in its commitment to provide necessary infrastructure and technical knowledge support to Sri Lanka.”
A project for future generations! Excellency the President @RW_UNP and the High Commissioner @sanjha Handed over digital devices to various schools in the Southern Province in the presence of Hon’ble Ministers @dormeshlk, @spremjayantha And many other dignitaries were also present today. pic.twitter.com/nPowKgYE5j
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) July 6, 2024
“A project for the future! President HE @RW_UNP and High Commissioner @santjha today handed over digital equipment to various schools in the Southern Province in the presence of Hon’ble Ministers @DrRameshLK, @SPremajayantha and many other dignitaries,” the Indian High Commission posted on its Twitter account along with pictures of the event.
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