Colombo, April 20 (NationPress) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan visited the Seetha Amman Temple located in Seetha Eliya, Sri Lanka on Monday, where he offered his prayers. He highlighted that the Indian government's plan to renovate this revered site would significantly enhance the historical connections shared between the two nations.

During his visit, the Vice President also honored the Hanuman Kovil, paying tribute to the sacred footprints of Lord Hanuman, which mark his meeting with Devi Sita at the Ashok Vatika.

In a message shared on X, the Vice President's Office stated, "Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan visited the Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya, Sri Lanka. This sacred temple tied to the Ramayana serves as a significant reminder of the profound cultural and civilizational connections between India and Sri Lanka. The Vice President also paid respects at Hanuman Kovil, venerating the sacred footprints of Lord Hanuman from his encounter with Devi Sita at Ashok Vatika."

Reflecting on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s declaration during his prior visit to Sri Lanka last year, where he announced the renovation of the Seetha Amman Temple with Indian government support, Radhakrishnan expressed that this move will further solidify the historical ties between the two countries.

Earlier that day, Vice President Radhakrishnan toured homes constructed with Indian government assistance under the Indian Housing Project (Phase III) at Liddlesdale Estate, Ragala, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, and engaged with the beneficiaries.

He expressed joy in connecting with the Indian-origin Tamil community, emphasizing India's enduring commitment to their welfare. He noted that the government has successfully built 50,000 houses for Tamil families in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka, along with Indian-origin Tamil families in plantation areas. An additional 10,000 houses are planned under the upcoming fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project, according to a post from the Vice President's Office on X.

The post also highlighted that during his interactions with Indian-origin Tamils in Nuwara Eliya, the Vice President conveyed his heartfelt condolences regarding the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwa. He discussed India’s relief and rescue initiatives launched under ‘Operation Sagar Bandhu’ in response to the natural disaster.

On Sunday, prior to these events, Vice President Radhakrishnan met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, where they discussed ways to fortify bilateral and cultural relations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted on X, "Vice President C P Radhakrishnan met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today (Sunday). They engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at further deepening the multifaceted ties between India and Sri Lanka, grounded in shared history and cultural values."

The MEA added, "Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy and to enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations. The discussions also covered various initiatives, including the Indian Housing Project and other projects funded under the USD 450 million package for regions affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka."

Additionally, Vice President Radhakrishnan met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday to discuss the significance of bolstering bilateral relationships, particularly in terms of people-to-people connections.

The visit also involved meetings with Sri Lanka’s political leaders, including discussions with Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in Colombo. The MEA reported that both leaders explored avenues for enhancing India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations.

Premadasa remarked that discussions centered around improving trade relations, intensifying economic cooperation, and identifying tangible opportunities to benefit both nations.

This series of meetings and site visits underscores India’s ongoing diplomatic and developmental efforts in Sri Lanka, with a pronounced focus on housing, infrastructure support, and the reinforcement of long-standing cultural ties.