Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Jeevan Thondaman said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to grant Rs. 3,000 million for the betterment of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) Community in Sri Lanka and President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India was a great success.
He told the media after his return from India, Minister Thondaman that the grant will be utilised for the transformation of education and health sector of the upcountry.
Minister Thondaman said, “I was a part of the delegation to India headed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. In the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, implementation of the 13th Amendment, MoUs on energy and economic development, and development of Indian Origin Tamil Community in Sri Lanka were discussed.
He said, “I also highlighted that providing infrastructure facilities alone will not empower the up country but providing quality education will provide sustainable transformation. Hence, the Government of India guaranteed to provide Rs. 3,000 million and this will be utilised for the health and education sector in the upcountry.”
Minister Thondaman said we have planned to host a state event to honour the IOTs who arrived in Sri Lanka 200 years ago who have contributed greatly to our economy. Special envoys will also participate representing India.