After an impactful first day of high-level strategy yesterday, the visit of Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan today moves on to grassroots connection as he is scheduled to travel to Nuwara Eliya today. Signalling New Delhi’s continued commitment to their welfare and long-term socio-economic advancement, Mr Radhakrishnan will engage directly with members of the Indian-Origin Tamil community at Indian Housing project sites. This commitment was also evident in yesterday’s announcements, including the extension of the OCI scheme to the sixth generation and the simplification of application processes that will greatly benefit plantation Tamils who came without Indian documents. The message is clear: India’s partnership with Sri Lanka is being strengthened not just through policy but through direct engagement with people on the ground.
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake discussed the proposed link between India and the island nation through an oil pipeline. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in Colombo that some proposals that were discussed between the two countries include the project related to the energy hub in Trincomalee and the proposal to link India and Sri Lanka through an oil pipeline. Mr Misri said the two leaders also had productive discussions on further deepening the multifaceted bilateral ties, housing projects and fishermen issues between the two neighbours. During his meeting with Mr Dissanayake, Mr Radhakrishnan laid emphasis on India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and developmental bilateral cooperation.
The vice president also met leaders of Sri Lankan Tamil parties and Indian Origin Tamil parties. The Tamil parties thanked the Government of India for its efforts for the 450 million dollar rehabilitation and relief package post Cyclone Ditwah, as well as other relief measures taken.
