Sri Lanka: Ambassador highlights Indian govt's initiatives, assistance
Colombo, June 15
India's Ambassador to Sri Lanka on Monday highlighted the Indian government's ongoing initiatives in housing, scholarships and grant assistance in the island nation.
"Delighted to be at the 20th anniversary of Up-Country Education Development Society (UEDS) today," Santosh Jha, Indian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, wrote on X.
"Took this opportunity to highlight Government of India's initiatives building houses for the estate workers, recent enhancements in CEWET scholarships, grant assistance towards upgradation of school infrastructure, supply of school equipment, teacher training programme in STEM subjects, and extension of eligibility for OCI cards to 5th and 6th generation Indian Origin Tamils (IOT), amongst others," he added.
The Indian diplomat called the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community as the "living bridges of India-Sri Lanka ties" and also handed over achievement awards to seven IOT achievers on behalf of the UDES. The event was attended by Lankan officials and ministers, including Minister of Fisheries Ramalingam and Deputy Plantation Minister Pradeep Sundaralingam.
On Sunday, the Ambassador participated in the 'Largest Bharatanatyam Lesson' in Colombo, creating a Guinness World Record.
"Delighted to participate in the 'Largest Bharatanatyam Lesson'- in Colombo, seeking to create a Guinness World Record. About 5,000 dancers from India and Sri Lanka came together to celebrate the timeless beauty, grace, and grandeur of Bharatanatyam," the Ambassador wrote on X.
Jha stated that Bharatanatyam connects India and Sri Lanka and highlighted the cultural connections between both countries.
He also received the Guinness World Records certificate on behalf of the students and organisers.
"Honoured to receive the Guinness World Records certificate on behalf of the students and the organisers; a vibrant testament to the enduring cultural bonds between India and Sri Lanka," Jha noted on X.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see India's consistent support for the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. The OCI card extension to 5th and 6th generation Indian Origin Tamils is a big deal—it gives them a stronger connection to their roots. But I hope more focus goes into practical aid like housing and teacher training, which directly impacts lives.
The Bharatanatyam lesson with 5,000 dancers is incredible! 🩰💃 Shows how cultural diplomacy can be just as impactful as financial aid. India and Sri Lanka share so much history and art—celebrating that together is a win-win. Kudos to the Ambassador and all participants!
While these initiatives are commendable, I wish India's aid was more transparent and outcome-driven. Housing for estate workers is overdue, but we need to ensure funds actually reach the beneficiaries, not just line pockets. Also, teacher training in STEM is good, but what about vocational skills for youth employment? Still, better than doing nothing.
Incredible to see the IOT community being called "living bridges"! 🌉 Finally, we acknowledge the deep historical connections. The grants for school infrastructure and scholarships are welcome steps. But let's not forget the need for more healthcare support in plantation areas—that's where real change begins.
The cultural angle is great, but India should also push for political reconciliation in Sri Lanka. The Tamil issue isn't just about housing aid—it's about rights and autonomy. That said, the Ambassador's work here is solid. More of these initiatives, please, and less empty rhetoric from our neighbors! ✊
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.