Colombo, April 22 (NationPress) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan has returned to New Delhi following a fruitful two-day visit to Sri Lanka on Monday.

The Vice President's trip resulted in significant advancements aimed at fortifying the bilateral relations between both nations, such as the relaxed OCI eligibility for sixth-generation Indian Origin Tamils (IOTs), facilitating easier travel to India.

Additionally, VP Radhakrishnan conducted a virtual handover of houses to plantation workers as part of the Indian Housing Project Phase III, announced the resumption of the Northern Railway Line, and the installation of three new Bailey bridges for rehabilitation post-Cyclone Ditwah.

Agreements reached during the visit included scholarships for estate workers, improvements to health services in Mullaitivu and the Eastern Province, support for farmer clusters, Ayurveda initiatives, and Sri Lanka's involvement in the International Big Cat Alliance.

Earlier in the day, the Vice President paid homage at the Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya, expressing that the Indian government's restoration project for the temple would further enhance the historical connections between both nations.

He also honored the sacred site of Hanuman Kovil, reflecting on the footsteps of Lord Hanuman from his encounter with Devi Sita at Ashok Vatika.

In a social media post, 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 linked to the revered Ramayana serves as a profound testament to the enduring cultural and civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka. The Vice President also paid respects at the Hanuman Kovil, honoring the sacred footsteps of Lord Hanuman from his meeting with Devi Sita at Ashok Vatika."

He recalled Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's announcement during his previous visit to Sri Lanka, stating that the Seetha Amman Temple's renovation would further solidify the historical bonds between the two nations.

Vice President Radhakrishnan also visited homes constructed with the assistance of the Indian Government under the Indian Housing Project (Phase III) at Liddlesdale Estate, Ragala, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, engaging with the beneficiaries.

He expressed his joy at interacting with the Indian-origin Tamil community, asserting that the Government and people of India are deeply committed to the welfare of the Tamil population in Sri Lanka. He noted that the Indian Government has already provided 50,000 houses for Tamil families in the Northern and Eastern provinces, along with Indian-origin Tamil families in plantation areas. An additional 10,000 houses will be delivered under the fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project," the Vice President's Office shared on X.

The statement further highlighted that during his interaction with Indian-origin Tamils in Nuwara Eliya, the Vice President expressed his profound sorrow over the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah and discussed India's relief and rescue operations initiated under 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' in response to this natural disaster.

On Sunday, Vice President Radhakrishnan also met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, where both leaders engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral and cultural relations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted in a post, "Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today (Sunday). They held fruitful discussions on deepening the multifaceted India-Sri Lanka ties, rooted in shared history and cultural values."

The Ministry added, "Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan reaffirmed India's commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy while emphasizing our cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations. The discussions also encompassed various initiatives, including the Indian Housing Project and projects being undertaken under the USD 450 million package for areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka."

Vice President Radhakrishnan also met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Sunday, discussing the significance of further enhancing bilateral relations, including fostering people-to-people connections.

The visit also involved interactions with Sri Lanka's political leadership, as he met with Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa in Colombo on Sunday. The MEA noted, "Both leaders discussed ways to further strengthen India-Sri Lanka bilateral ties."

Premadasa remarked that their discussions revolved around enhancing trade relations, deepening economic cooperation, and exploring practical opportunities to benefit both nations.

This series of meetings and site visits underscores India's commitment to diplomatic and developmental outreach in Sri Lanka, with a strong focus on housing, infrastructural support, and reinforcing longstanding cultural ties.