Tuesday, February 15 2005 11:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: India yesterday (Feb 14, 2005) received praise for post-tsunami relief operations in soutrhern Sri Lanka, a hotbed of Sinhalese militants who once rioted against the Indian peace keeping forces on the Island.

The Chief District Collector in Galle in a letter to the Indian military praised it in building bridges, clearing the debris and treating the sick after the Dec 26 tsunami.

One of the main bridges along the main road to the south of the Island was repaired by Indian military units.

"The dedication and commitment to task shown by this Indian team deserves commendation and the people of the South of Sri Lanka will remember their great contribution in this worst situation for many years to come," G Hewawitharana said.

"The bond of brotherhood established by their good deeds will be in our hearts for ever."

The Marxist JVP, or the People's Liberation Front, had staged violent demonstrations against the Indian military intervention in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990. However, the JVP, which is now a member of the ruling coalition here has mended fences with India and is keen for New Delhi to play a role in the Island's ethnic conflict.

India has scaled down its relief operations and maintained engineers in eastern Sri Lanka where they are reconstructing a bridge damaged by the tsunami at Aru Bay.

The Indian medical team has been functioning at the Pottuvil District Hospital and is also helping to chlorinate open wells in the district. They are also providing help in repairing beds, electrical points and appliances, furniture and water supply at the Hospital.

Three wards at the Hospital were made functional since February 11, as a result of these measures.