Krishna inaugurates Indian consulate in Hambantota in Sri Lanka

Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Nov.28 (ANI): Indian External Affairs S.M. Krishna today inaugurated the new Indian consulate in the coastal city of Hambantota in Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the occasion, Krishna expressed confidence that India will take advantage of the industrial and commercial potential in the region.

He asked Indian investors to explore the possibility of investing in Sri Lanka for the benefit of the two countries.

The External Minister further said New Delhi has also taken up the reconstruction of the damaged southern railway corridor from Galle to Matara.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris took note of the growing relations between the two countries and thanked India for the assistance.

Earlier on Saturday, Krishna opened a new Indian consulate in Jaffna and inaugurated the Northern Railway lines for which New Delhi has pledged a 800-million dollars credit that will spur the reconstruction of the war-ravaged Sri Lanka.

Krishna's visit comes over five months after President Rajapaksa's state visit to India in June 2010. Then, a Joint Declaration was adopted, outlining a roadmap for infusing greater vigour, greater content in the India-Sri Lanka relationship.

It was decided during President Rajapaksa's visit that India would be constructing 50,000 housing units for IDPs.

Krishna would return to New Delhi today. (ANI)