Vice President announces OCI expansion for Indian-origin Tamils in SL

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday 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, Radhakrishnan also virtually handed over the final 145 houses under Phase III of the Indian Housing Project, marking the completion of this phase.With this, the total number of houses for Tamil communities will reach 50,000, and 10,000 more houses are being built in the fourth phase of the project, an official statement said.
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. 
Sri Lanka’s Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa also called on  Radhakrishnan in Colombo and both leaders discussed further strengthening India-Sri Lanka bilateral ties. “Sri Lanka and India are not just neighbours, we are true partners with shared history, shared challenges, and a shared future. It is time we move with greater ambition, intent and trust, to reap the benefits of this partnership for all citizens,” Premadasa said in a social media post.