India launches housing project in Sri Lanka

India on Sunday launched the second stage of Phase IV of its housing project in Sri Lanka's central hill town of Bandarawela, strengthening development ties between the two neighbours. The Indian housing project is a major development assistance initiative by the Indian government to build 65,000 houses in the island nation. The multi-phase programme provides grant assistance to help rehabilitate internally displaced Indian-origin Tamils in the country's plantation regions. 
The event, attended by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, marked another milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to support Sri Lanka’s plantation community and rural development.High Commissioner Santosh Jha noted that India’s total housing assistance now spans 65,000 houses across all 25 districts, worth over LKR 64 billion. He emphasised that the initiative is not just about building homes, but about building futures – through projects in education, healthcare, skills, and community development – reaffirming India’s enduring partnership and commitment to Sri Lanka’s progress and stability.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of India and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka for the support extended by the Indian Government towards improving the economic and social well-being of the Sri Lankan people.