PM Modi Emphasizes India's Commitment to Indian Origin Tamil Community in Sri Lanka

Colombo, April 5 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday emphasized India's strong commitment to the development and progress of the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community in Sri Lanka during his meeting with community leaders in Colombo.

"The meeting with leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) was fruitful. The community has served as a living bridge between the two nations for over 200 years. India will support the construction of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple, and other community development projects for IOTs in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka,"

the PM stated. He also engaged with leaders of Tamil political parties in Sri Lanka.

"It is always a pleasure to interact with the leaders of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. I expressed my condolences on the passing of respected Tamil leaders, Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah, both of whom I knew personally. I reiterated my unwavering commitment to a life of equality, dignity, and justice for the Tamil community within a united Sri Lanka. Numerous projects and initiatives launched during my visit will enhance their social, economic, and cultural progress," he remarked.

Earlier that day, while delivering a Joint Press Statement alongside Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, PM Modi highlighted India's long-standing support for the Indian Origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka, asserting that the construction of 10,000 houses for them will be completed soon.

PM Modi also met with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, expressing appreciation for his significant contributions to fostering India-Sri Lanka friendship.

"I am pleased to have met Sri Lanka's Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa. I acknowledged his personal efforts and dedication to strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations. Our special partnership enjoys support in Sri Lanka transcending party lines. Our collaboration and robust development partnership are focused on the welfare of our two nations' peoples," PM Modi stated.

Premadasa recognized the importance of strong bilateral relations between both countries and expressed gratitude for India's ongoing support during Sri Lanka's challenging times.

"I am honored to have met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a time that calls for more than economic cooperation; it calls for a deeper partnership between our nations. Sri Lanka and India have the opportunity to shape a future of Shared Ascent, where growth is not solely measured in trade but in the well-being of our people. I am thankful for India's steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most difficult periods," Premadasa shared on X.

Prime Minister Modi traveled to the island nation following his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok.

Praising Sri Lankan President Dissanayake for his personal commitment to India-Sri Lanka relations, PM Modi remarked that the two nations have gained increased momentum in areas such as security, trade, agriculture, housing, culture, and other sectors during the bilateral discussions held at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Saturday.