Multi-sectoral Assistance to IOT Students, Estate Workers
During his visit to the Central Province, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, H.E. Santosh Jha, extended multi-sectoral assistance to members of the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community at two recent events.
At a special event organised at Peradeniya Hindu College, Kandy, the High Commissioner responded to the institute’s request and provided assistance to the students. This assistance included computers, musical instruments, books for the library, and sports equipment.
Later that day, the High Commissioner visited the Indian Housing Project (IHP) Phase III site at Elkaduwa Estate in Matale District. He interacted with the project’s beneficiaries and distributed medical equipment and raincoats among families working at the estate. Out of the total 14,000 houses being constructed in Sri Lanka’s plantation regions under IHP Phases III and IV, 25 have been built at Elkaduwa Estate.
At both events, the High Commissioner emphasised the Government of India’s continued commitment to providing all possible support to the IOT community across sectors, aligning with their needs and the priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka.
In this regard, besides the ongoing IHP, he highlighted several recent developments. These include the signing of a MoU to establish 60 smart classes in plantation schools, doubling the Government of India’s financial commitment to the upgradation of nine plantation schools, and the Prime Minister of India’s announcement of Indian support for the development of Seetha Eliya Temple during his State Visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025.
He expressed hope that new projects could also be expedited with the support of the Government of Sri Lanka. This support is part of a multi-sectoral grant assistance package announced in 2023 to mark 200 years of the community’s arrival in Sri Lanka, with a total amount of INR 750 million.
Projects already implemented under this package include the distribution of solar lanterns, school bags, and books, and a special teacher-training programme in STEM subjects that benefited over 2,000 Sri Lankan teachers in plantation schools.