Project to construct 10,000 houses with Indian assistance initiated

President Wickremesinghe and Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman laid the foundation stone for a project to construct 10,000 houses with Indian aid in the lower part of Mount Vernon Estate, Dimbula, Kotagala.

The project was launched virtually at  'Naam 200' celebration at the  Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo today (02), marking the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) people in the hill country.
Additionally, a new auditorium and computer unit at the Hatton Vocational Training Centre were inaugurated virtually, and school equipment was distributed to students.

The President acknowledged the Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, for contributing to Sri Lanka's financial stability, praising the support provided for the successful event. He also commended Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman for her dedication to the cause.

President Wickremesinghe, speaking at the 'Naam 200'  celebration, emphasized the goal of moving the country forward by uniting all its citizens. He stated that it is the current government's policy to uphold the rights of all Sri Lankan citizens, regardless of their background. The aim is to build a developed Sri Lanka by bringing everyone together.

The event was honoured by the presence of Indian Finance Minister, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, who was warmly welcomed by over 5,000 Tamil people from the hills. The celebration featured various cultural elements.
The President stated that this celebration marks the beginning of a new journey for the hill Tamil people, and the government is committed to providing them with land titles and ensuring their right to education.

Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the substantial contributions of the Tamil people from the hills to the Sri Lankan economy and expressed readiness for cooperation in the government's efforts to acknowledge and secure their rights.

Pix by Indika Handuwela