Narendra Modi meets Indian Origin Tamil leaders in Colombo, offers support for construction of 10,000 houses

Modi said his meeting with the leaders was 'fruitful'.

"The meeting with leaders of Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) was fruitful. The community constitutes a living bridge between the two countries for over 200 years. India will support construction of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple and other community development projects for IOTs in cooperation with the Government of Sri Lanka," Modi wrote on X.

Modi also met the leaders of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka in Colombo on the first day of his visit to the Island Nation.

During the meeting, he conveyed condolences on the passing of respected Tamil leaders, Thiru R. Sampanthan and Thiru Mavai Senathirajah. 

Meanwhile, Modi was conferred with Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour, Mithra Vibhushana, on Saturday.

He is currently on a three-day visit to the Island Nation.

Modi received the award from Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

After receiving the award, Modi wrote on X: "It is a matter of immense pride for me to be conferred the 'Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana' by President Dissanayake today. This honour is not mine alone - it is a tribute to the 1.4 billion people of India. It symbolises the deep-rooted friendship and historic ties between the people of India and Sri Lanka."

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to the President, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka for this honour," he said.

Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who arrived in Sri Lanka on the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, visited the Presidential Secretariat on Saturday.

"Modi was warmly welcomed by President Anura Kumara Disanayake upon his arrival at the Presidential Secretariat," read a statement issued by the Sri Lankan President website.