Game-Changing Outcomes from India’s Historic Outreach to Sri Lanka

When Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan touched down in Colombo, he brought more than just diplomatic greetings. He brought a "Strategic Reset." As part of India’s Vision MAHASAGAR, this visit delivered critical infrastructure—including the resumption of the Northern Railway—and a massive expansion of the CEWET Scholarship Scheme. With OCI card processes simplified and 4,000 houses handed over to estate workers, the visit marks a defining moment in India-Sri Lanka relations. Here is everything you need to know about this landmark mission.

India’s Vice President, C.P. Radhakrishnan, made his first-ever bilateral visit to Sri Lanka on April 19–20, 2026, reinforcing the centuries-old civilisational and cultural bonds between the two nations. The visit, accompanied by senior ministers and parliamentarians, underscored India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR strategy.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

During his meeting with President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, the leaders reviewed ongoing development cooperation projects. Highlights included:

• Resumption of train services on the Northern Railway Line, restored under India’s USD 5 million grant after Cyclone Ditwah.

• Completion of three Bailey bridges, built by the Indian Army under India’s USD 450 million assistance package, restoring critical road connectivity.

• Sri Lanka’s decision to join the India-led International Big Cat Alliance, reflecting shared environmental priorities.

Education and Community Initiatives

Vice President Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya announced the expansion of the Ceylon Estate Workers Education Trust (CEWET) Scholarship Scheme:

• Scholarships increased from 350 to 700.

• Monthly stipends raised to LKR 2500 for A-Level students and LKR 7500 for higher education students.

  
  

At a community reception attended by over 1000 members of the Indian diaspora, the Vice President announced:

• Extension of OCI Card eligibility to 5th and 6th generation Indian Origin Tamils (IOTs).

• Simplification of the OCI process, recognising Sri Lankan government-issued certificates as proof of nativity.

  
  

He also virtually inaugurated the final set of 145 houses under Phase-III of the Indian Housing Project, completing 4000 houses for plantation estate workers. This flagship initiative, with an overall commitment of INR 1835 crores (approx. LKR 62.75 billion), is India’s largest overseas grant assistance project.

Cultural and Spiritual Engagements

The Vice President paid respects at the Kathiresan Temple and Gangaramaya Temple, and visited the Seetha Amman Temple in Nuwara Eliya, a site linked to the Ramayana. These visits highlighted the deep cultural and spiritual ties binding India and Sri Lanka.

New Agreements and Development Projects

Several MoUs were exchanged during the visit, including:

• Six priority projects under the Multi-Sectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province.

• Construction of a four-storey Medical Ward Complex at District General Hospital in Mullaitivu.

A Defining Moment in India–Sri Lanka Relations

This landmark visit reflects India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery, development, and long-term prosperity. By expanding scholarships, enhancing diaspora rights, restoring infrastructure, and deepening cultural ties, the Vice President’s visit has set the stage for a stronger, more resilient partnership.

This visit is not just a diplomatic milestone—it is a human story of shared resilience, cultural continuity, and strategic partnership between two neighbours bound by history and looking toward a future of cooperation and prosperity.