Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ India has restated its long-standing commitment to the Indian-origin Tamil people living in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, particularly those working in the country’s plantation sector. At a special event in Bandarawela, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, emphasized India’s long-standing relationship with the Tamil minority in the north and committed to continuing to support their progress and welfare. The celebration honored the handover of housing eligibility certificates to members of the Malayagam Tamil community, as well as the start of Stage 2 of Phase 4 of the Indian Housing Project, which has already benefited thousands of Sri Lankan families.
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High Commissioner Jha highlighted the importance of the Indian-origin Tamil community, calling them a “living bridge” between India and Sri Lanka. “This community has contributed immensely to Sri Lanka’s economy, culture, and society. Their journey is one of resilience, and India is proud to stand beside them,” he said. The ceremony was attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, reflecting the close ties between the two countries. Jha stated that the president’s participation demonstrated Sri Lanka’s commitment to improving plantation communities and enhancing bilateral relations.
Housing has been one of India’s most significant means of community support over the years. So far, India has supported the construction of approximately 65,000 dwellings in Sri Lanka through the Indian Housing Project, which includes all 25 districts. These homes have been built through a grant that, in today’s value, exceeds 64 billion Sri Lankan rupees. Under the third phase of the project, 14,000 houses were pledged, of which 4,000 have already been completed. An additional 10,000 houses were promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2017 visit to Sri Lanka, with over 1,100 currently under construction. The latest stage, launched today, marks a continuation of this long-term effort.
But India’s efforts go far beyond brick and mortar. “We’re not just building houses—we’re building futures,” said Jha. “We are investing in education, healthcare, skills training, and community development. These efforts are designed to improve the quality of life and open up new opportunities.” India has also allocated Rs 750 million in grant assistance, announced in 2023, to mark the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Indian-origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka. This special package supports a range of projects in the hill country, focusing on social infrastructure, education, and health services.
The High Commissioner thanked the Sri Lankan government and specifically acknowledged the role of the Plantation Ministry in facilitating ongoing initiatives. He also reaffirmed the cultural and linguistic ties that continue to connect India with the Indian-origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka. “This is more than just development aid—it’s a celebration of shared history and mutual respect,” Jha said. “India and Sri Lanka are not just neighbors; we are civilizational twins. Our destinies are interlinked, and our cooperation aims to ensure a future filled with dignity, peace, and opportunity.”
As of October 2024, India has disbursed more than Rs 33 billion toward housing efforts alone. Construction on the first 1,300 houses under the enhanced 10,000-house pledge has commenced. The Bandarawela housing event signified hope and progress, highlighting India and Sri Lanka’s continued efforts to improve the lives of one of the island’s most historically marginalized communities.
