Colombo, August 4: Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Hilton inaugurated a newly refurbished building at the Jaffna Hindu Ladies’ College on July 31, 2017 that will support reconciliation and stabilization and provide girls in Jaffna with opportunity to study in a modern facility. Coordinating closely with the Sri Lanka Ministry of Education and the Northern Province Ministry of Education, the U.S. government invested 91 million rupees to build the three-story addition that will reach an additional 180 students. Chief Minister of the Northern Province C.V. Wigneswaran joined DCM Hilton and the principal of the College, Ms. M. Vimalanathan, in lighting the traditional oil lamp and cutting the ribbon on the new facilities.
Opening ceremony for the refurbished building at the Jaffna Hindu Ladies’ College.
U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Hilton with Northern Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran.
DCM Robert Hilton, Chief Minister Wigneswaran, Jaffna Hindu Ladies' College Principal Ms. M. Vimalanathan, Secretary of Education, Cultural Affairs, Sports and Youth Affairs R. Raveenthiran, and other delegates at the opening event.
Jaffna Hindu Ladies' College Principal Ms. M. Vimalanathan presents a plaque to DCM Robert Hilton.
“We believe there is no better investment or higher calling than educating young minds, especially young women” Deputy Chief of Mission Hilton said during the ceremony. “Sri Lanka and the United States are daily deepening our partnership, and this is another demonstration of our continued commitment.”
The U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) selected the Hindu Ladies’ College for funding in cooperation with the Provincial Ministry of Education. PACOM managed the four-year project, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Magbool Engineering Consultants, and Salasi Lanka Engineering partnered on construction.
