As part of his farewell meetings, High Commissioner of India H.E. Ashok K. Kantha was hosted for high tea by the Governor of the Northern Province, Hon'ble G.A. Chandrasiri, at Jaffna on 6 May 2013. The Mayor of Jaffna, the Vice Chancellor of Jaffna University, the Government Agent of Jaffna, senior members of the Provincial Administration, including the Chief Secretary, Secretary to Governor and Secretaries of other departments were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon'ble Governor recalled the stellar contribution of High Commissioner Kantha in initiating and implementing wide ranging projects of Indian assistance in the Northern Province after the end of the war. He highlighted the critical role of Indian assistance in supporting return of normalcy in the Province.

In his remarks, the High Commissioner thanked the Hon'ble Governor and officials of the Provincial Administration for the support provided in the implementation of various Indian assistance projects in Northern Province. He also assured Government of India's continued commitment to assist in the resettlement and rehabilitation efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka and contribute to the enhancement of livelihood opportunities of the people of Northern Province.

High Commissioner had a separate interaction with members of the political parties and civil society groups in Jaffna the same day. Members of civil society thanked the High Commissioner for the support and assistance provided by the Government of India to the people of Northern Province and conveyed their expectation of continued assistance from the Government and people of India. In this context, they also recalled High Commissioner's unrelenting efforts towards ensuring early implementation of Indian assistance projects during his tenure.

High Commissioner Kantha assured his interlocutors of the Government of India's continued support for resettlement and rehabilitation as well as for initiatives to take forward the process of reconciliation. He welcomed the announcement regarding the conduct of elections to the Northern Provincial Council in September 2013 and expressed the hope that Sri Lanka would continue to make rapid progress towards peace, development and reconciliation, which would be for the betterment of all communities.