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Vice President Announces New Initiatives for Indian-Origin Tamils in Colombo
Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan today announced a series of measures to strengthen ties with the Indian-origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka while addressing members of the Indian community in Colombo.
A key announcement was the extension of the Overseas Citizen of India Scheme up to the sixth generation, along with simplified documentation norms. The move is expected to improve access to education and economic opportunities in India.
Focusing on education, the Vice President also announced a major expansion of scholarships under the Ceylon Estate Workers’ Education Trust, increasing both beneficiary numbers and financial assistance to support socio-economic mobility.
During the event, Radhakrishnan virtually handed over the final 145 houses under Phase III of the Indian Housing Project, marking the completion of the phase.
Invoking poet Subramania Bharati, he described the community as a living bridge between India and Sri Lanka, reflecting deep cultural and historical ties.
Earlier, the Vice President held talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and leaders of the Indian-origin Tamil community from Sri Lanka’s north and east.