VP Radhakrishnan in Sri Lanka, Holds Talks with President, PM, Tamil Community Leaders

Indian Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, with both sides holding discussions aimed at further strengthening India–Sri Lanka relations.

The two leaders held productive talks focused on deepening the multifaceted partnership between the two countries, anchored in a shared history, civilizational links, and longstanding people-to-people connections.

During the meeting, discussions also covered several ongoing development initiatives supported by India, including the Indian Housing Project and projects being implemented under a USD 450 million assistance package for Sri Lanka. These initiatives are focused on reconstruction and rehabilitation in areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with particular attention given to Indian Origin Tamil communities living in severely impacted regions.

The two sides also discussed the long-standing fishermen issue, stressing the importance of addressing the concerns in a humanitarian manner while safeguarding the livelihoods of fishing communities in both India and Sri Lanka.

Vice President Radhakrishnan also met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during his two-day visit to Sri Lanka.

VP Radhakrishnan shared highlights of the exchange via his official account on X saying that both leaders spoke on the shared civilizational heritage of the two countries and discussed the importance of further strengthening bilateral ties, including people-to-people bonds.

The VP also met Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.

In a post on X, Premadasa said the two sides held constructive discussions on expanding trade, deepening economic ties, and exploring practical opportunities to benefit both countries. He described Sri Lanka and India as “true partners” with shared history, challenges, and a shared future, and called for greater ambition, trust, and cooperation to strengthen the relationship for the benefit of citizens in both nations.

VP Radhakrishnan also met leaders of political parties in the North and East and Indian Origin Tamil parties during his visit. He assured the leaders that India will always stand in support of the progress of the Tamil community and in ensuring a dignified way of life for them.

The VP addressed the Indian Diaspora during a Community event in Colombo today. At the event, the Vice President virtually handed over the last cluster of the 4,000 housing units under Indian Housing Project Phase-III. He noted that the Government of India has so far provided 50,000 houses to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, and added that an additional 10,000 houses will be delivered under the fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project.

The VP announced that eligibility for the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card to Indian-origin Tamils would be extended up to the sixth generation.

VP Radhakrishnan also visited the Gangaramaya Temple and the New Kathiresan Temple in Colombo today and offered prayers. He was warmly welcomed with traditional Tamil music and dance.

According to Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, on Monday the Vice President will engage directly with communities in Nuwara Eliya, where a large section of the Indian-origin Tamil community resides. There, he will visit settlements developed under India’s Housing Project Phase III, which has already constructed 4,000 houses, with an additional 10,000 currently underway.

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