Vice President CP Radhakrishnan announces OCI expansion for Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan announced a series of measures aimed at strengthening ties with the Indian-origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka, focusing on welfare initiatives and cultural linkages.
The Vice President made the announcement while addressing the members of the Indian community in Colombo. A key announcement was the extension of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) 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.
Emphasising education, the Vice President also announced a major expansion of scholarships under the Ceylon Estate Workers’ Education Trust, increasing both the number of beneficiaries and financial assistance to enhance socio-economic mobility. The Vice President is on a two-day official visit to Colombo.
On the occasion, Mr Radhakrishnan also virtually handed over the final 145 houses under Phase III of the Indian Housing Project, marking the completion of this phase.
Invoking poet Subramania Bharati’s vision, Vice President Radhakrishnan described the community as a living bridge between India and Sri Lanka, highlighting deep-rooted cultural and historical ties.
Earlier in the day, the Vice President held wide-ranging talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, reaffirming India’s Neighbourhood First policy and continued cooperation. He also met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, discussed civilisational links, and interacted with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa as well as leaders of the Indian-origin Tamil community from Sri Lanka’s north and east.
Later, briefing the media on the Vice President’s Colombo visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India and Sri Lanka signed several MoUs on the occasion. This includes the first six projects under the post-Ditwah multi-sectoral grant assistance programme in the Eastern Province. He added that a Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed for the construction of a four-storey medical ward complex at the District General Hospital in Mullaitheevu.