Tuesday, April 19 2005 12:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Colombo: Sri Lanka has decided to name a street after India for its support during the deadly tidal wave disaster, which hit the country on December 26 last year killing thousands.

The southern provincial council decided to name a street in the village of Peraliya as "India-Sri Lanka Maitri Road" in recognition of the work done by the Indian teams.

Indian High Commissioner Nirupama Rao expressed the hope that cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the area of tsunami reconstruction would soon enter a new phase.

She welcomed the Southern Province proposal to name a road in recognition of the work done by Indian security personnel who were the first foreign troopers on ground to help with clearing operations after the December 26 tragedy.

Rao received commendation certificates on behalf of Indian Defence personnel, who worked on tsunami relief in the Southern Province, at a simple ceremony at India House yesterday (Apr 18, 2005).