Indian Vice President Hands Over 145 Houses Virtually

21-Apr-2026

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Indian Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan virtually handed over 145 newly constructed houses under the third phase of the Indian Housing Programme.

The handover took place during a special event organised to welcome the Vice President, held on 19 April at the New Kathiresan Hall in Bambalapitiya.

He was welcomed with traditional drum performances by trustees of the Bambalapitiya Kathiresan Temple, the Wellawatte Mayurapathy Amman Temple, and representatives of Indian-origin organisations.

The event commenced with the national anthems of Sri Lanka and India.

Delivering the welcome address, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha said it was an honour to welcome the Indian Vice President. He noted that thousands of people, including Indian-origin Sri Lankans, continue to maintain strong ties with India.

Several Sri Lankan ministers, parliamentarians, political leaders and prominent figures participated in the event.

Subsequently, representatives of various organisations honoured the Vice President with ceremonial shawls. Ministers Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Samantha Vithyarathna, and Deputy Minister Sundaralingam Pradeep were also felicitated.

Following the virtual handover of the 145 houses, the Vice President delivered a special address, reiterating that Phase III of the housing programme has now been completed and that with the addition of these houses, 4,000 units have been provided under the third phase. He stated that India has provided 50,000 houses so far and announced plans to construct an additional 10,000 houses in the future.

He further stated that the Indian Government remains committed to improving the wellbeing of Indian-origin communities in Sri Lanka.

Thereafter, the Vice President participated in special religious observances at the Bambalapitiya Kathiresan Temple.