Report of the visit of the Sri Lankan Delegation from St. Patrick's College, Jaffna to India from 15th August to 22nd August 2011
On 15th of August, 10 boys of St. Patrick's college Jaffna accompanied by the rector Rev.Fr. Jero Selvanayagam and a teacher Mr. Berty Bannister visited St. Francis De Sales School, Janakpuri, New Delhi, India under the student exchange programme initiated and funded by India-Sri Lanka foundation. The Sri Lankan team was accorded a warm welcome at the airport. As a part of the students exchange programme in the category of sports, the football team from St. Patrick's college Jaffna participated in the Fr. Peter Mermier Inter-school Football Tournament organized by the host school, St. Francis De Sales. An extensive cultural ethos was presented to show case the myriad colors of both the countries. The students of St. Francis de Sales School put up a cultural extravaganza which included a performance by the school orchestra, a thought provoking street play and an exuberant South Indian dance number. The glimpses of the Sri Lankan culture were highlighted through the various dance forms and singing styles. The Sri Lankan team together with the Indian team visited the Sri Lankan High Commission on 17th on August 2011 and met the high commissioner, his Excellency Mr. Prasad Kariyawasan, who said "I am extremely overjoyed to witness this unison". The Sri Lankan team went sightseeing to the Taj Mahal and the Agra fort. They also visited the Akshardham temple and went for Delhi Darshan. They also visited the homes of Indian families and enjoyed various delicacies. Fr. Jero said "I am overwhelmed by the traditional hospitality which was portrayed when we visited the homes of students and teachers".
Rev. Fr. Melroy Almeida, Principal of St. Francis De Sales School said "I am happy to have the exchange programme and we are ready to help the people of Jaffna affected by the war."
As the second stage of the students exchange programme the Indian delegation will be visiting Sri Lanka in the month of January 2011. They are eagerly looking forward to the Sri Lanka visit.
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