Jaishankar urges Hill Country Tamil leaders to secure land for housing projects

24-Dec-2025

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Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that India will continue to support housing projects for the Hill Country Tamil community and urged political representatives to negotiate with the government to secure land, assuring full cooperation in building houses.

This was conveyed during a bilateral meeting between Dr. Jaishankar and Hill Country Tamil political representatives held on Tuesday at India House, Colombo, during his official visit to Sri Lanka.

Participants included Tamil Progressive Alliance Leader and MP Mano Ganesan, Hill Country People’s Front Leader and MP R. Krishnan, National Workers’ Front Leader and MP Palani Digambaram, Lanka Workers’ Congress (LWC) General Secretary and MP Jeevan Thondaman, and LWC Leader Senthil Thondaman.

The representatives expressed heartfelt appreciation for India’s swift assistance in protecting Sri Lankans during the recent severe natural disasters. They highlighted that the Hill Country regions, particularly Kandy, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, and Matale, were among the worst affected.

Special attention was given to land and housing rights of plantation workers. After considering the issues raised, Dr. Jaishankar stated that India would continue its support for housing schemes, urging leaders to obtain land through negotiations, while assuring complete assistance for construction.

Health, education, and other fundamental issues affecting plantation communities were also discussed, with the Lanka Workers’ Congress presenting recommendations.