Colombo, April 20: India’s Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan concluded a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka and returned home on Monday. During this visit, several significant agreements were reached between India and Sri Lanka.
One of the most important agreements was to simplify the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card process for Indian Origin Tamils (IOTs), allowing them easier access to India. Under this agreement, documents issued by local authorities in Sri Lanka will now be recognized, streamlining the application process.
Radhakrishnan also virtually handed over homes to plantation workers under the Indian Housing Project Phase III. He announced full cooperation in restarting the Northern Railway Line and constructing three new Bailey bridges following Cyclone Dithavah.
An agreement was also made regarding scholarships, notably the ‘Estate Worker Scholarship.’ This initiative includes health centers in Mullaitivu and the Eastern Province, farmer clusters, an Ayurveda project, and Sri Lanka’s International Big Cat Alliance.
Before departing for Delhi, the Vice President prayed at the Sita Amman Temple in Sita Eliya, stating that the Indian government’s initiative to renovate this religious site would further strengthen ties between the two nations.
The Vice President also visited Hanuman Kovil, where footprints of Lord Hanuman are believed to exist from his visit to Sita Mayya in Ashok Vatika.
Regarding this religious visit, the Vice President’s office stated, “Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited the Sita Amman Temple in Sita Eliya. This sacred temple, linked to the holy Ramayana, reminds us of the deep cultural and civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka.” He also visited Hanuman Kovil, where he paid homage to the sacred footprints of Hanuman in Ashok Vatika.
He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement during last year’s Sri Lanka visit about the renovation of the Sita Amman Temple with the help of the Indian government, emphasizing that this initiative would further strengthen the historical relationship between the two countries.
Radhakrishnan visited homes built under the Indian Housing Project (Phase III) at Liddlesdale Estate in Ragala, Nuwara Eliya, and interacted with beneficiaries.
He expressed happiness in meeting the Indian-origin Tamil community, stating that the Indian government and its people are committed to assisting the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. He noted that the Indian government has provided 50,000 homes to Tamil families in the Northern and Eastern provinces and announced that an additional 10,000 homes would be provided under the fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project.
The post further mentioned that during discussions with Indian-origin Tamils in Nuwara Eliya, the Vice President expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by Cyclone Dithavah. He also discussed India’s relief and rescue operations initiated under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ in response to the natural disaster.
Earlier on Sunday, Radhakrishnan met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, where both leaders engaged in serious discussions to strengthen bilateral cultural relations.
The Vice President also met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday, emphasizing the need to further enhance relations between the two countries.
He also met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in Colombo, where the focus was again on strengthening bilateral ties.
Premadasa stated that the discussions centered on enhancing trade relations, deepening economic cooperation, and exploring practical opportunities that would benefit both nations.
This series of meetings and site visits underscores India’s growing strategic relationship with Sri Lanka, which includes commitments to providing housing and revitalizing long-standing cultural ties.
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