(January 22, Chennai, Sri Lanka Guardian) The foundation laying ceremony for the new chancery of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai was held on 21st January 2009 in Nungambakkam, an exclusive locality in Chennai.
Though the land for the proposed building was purchased in the year 2000, the building of the chancery became a reality following the guidance given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the instructions of Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.
The construction of the chancery building is also in keeping with the objective of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is keen to reduce the cost of rentals being paid to rented Mission premises in foreign countries, by either buying or constructing Sri Lanka’s own buildings overseas. The construction of the chancery of the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai is also in keeping with this objective and long term vision.
The ceremony began with prayers and blessings from religious dignitaries from the Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic and Christian faiths and ‘pirith’ was chanted while the foundation stone was laid by Mr. P. M. Amza, Deputy High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in Southern India, followed by Mr. Nihal Rupasinghe, the Chairman of Central Engineering and Consultancy Bureau (CECB).
Thereafter, addressing the gathering at this joyous occasion, Deputy High Commissioner Mr. P. M. Amza referred to the speech made by Foreign Minister Bogollagama on 1st January 2009 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating his desire to enhance the presence in Chennai.
Speaking further, Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Amza also pointed that the Mission in Chennai was among the oldest Sri Lanka Missions abroad, which it self a testimony to the long standing and warm relations shared between Sri Lanka and India. He said the building of the chancery in a prime location in the heart of Chennai city was a milestone and added that with enhanced facilities, the Mission would be able to serve the Sri Lankan nationals in South India and all others who visit the Mission, even better.
The construction is being handled by the CECB and will include the Deputy High Commission and two apartments while a separate construction within the same premises will house the official residence of the Deputy High Commissioner. The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009. - Sri Lanka Guardian
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