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PM Modi meets Indian origin Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka
The visit also marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation amid rising concerns over China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean.
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Pranavi Sharma - Sun, 06, Apr 2025
- 01:22 EDT
- 147
PM Modi meets Indian-origin Tamil leaders in Sri Lanka / X/@narendramodi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met leaders of the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community in Colombo on Apr.5, and announced a fresh set of community welfare projects aimed at housing, healthcare, and cultural preservation.
“The meeting with leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) was fruitful,” Modi posted on X shortly after the interaction. “The community constitutes a living bridge between the two countries for over 200 years. India will support construction of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple and other community development projects for IOTs in cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka.”
The moment was a deeply symbolic one for the IOT community, many of whom trace their roots back to indentured laborers brought to Sri Lanka during colonial rule. His visit included the announcement of India’s support for improving infrastructure in key Tamil areas, including homes, temples, and medical services.
Modi also met leaders of the broader Tamil community of Sri Lanka. He offered condolences for the recent passing of revered Tamil political figures Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah. “Both of whom were personally known to me,” Modi wrote. “Reiterated unwavering commitment to a life of equality, dignity and justice for the Tamil community within united Sri Lanka.”
The Prime Minister’s outreach came on the second day, i.e. Apr.5, of his visit to Sri Lanka, his first since President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office in September last year. Their talks culminated in the signing of seven major agreements across critical sectors like energy, digital infrastructure, defence, trade, and health—marking a new phase in bilateral cooperation amid rising concerns over China’s growing footprint in the Indian Ocean.
At a joint press briefing, President Dissanayake reassured India of Sri Lanka’s commitment to regional stability. “I reaffirmed Sri Lanka's stand that it will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India,” he said, striking a tone of trust and strategic alignment.
PM Modi stressed the importance of people-centric development. “Our cooperation and robust development partnership are guided by the welfare of the people of our two countries,” he noted during a separate meeting with Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.
Modi also expressed delight at meeting members of Sri Lanka’s iconic 1996 World Cup winning cricket team. “This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!” he wrote.
The visit saw the launch and inauguration of several India-funded projects, including the upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line, solar-powered infrastructure for religious institutions, and agricultural warehouses. India also announced funding for the development of important Tamil temples such as Thirukoneswaram and Seetha Eliya.
Modi also revealed that sacred relics of Lord Buddha from Gujarat would be displayed in Sri Lanka on International Vesak Day 2025.
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