Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan to Visit Sri Lanka
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan is set to embark on a significant two-day visit to Sri Lanka, starting this Sunday. This trip marks the first official visit by an Indian vice president to the island nation.
During his stay, Radhakrishnan will meet with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. His agenda also includes discussions with leaders from the Indian-origin Tamil community, particularly those in the Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka.
One of the highlights of the visit will be an event in Colombo where he will address the Indian diaspora. There, he will virtually hand over homes to beneficiaries from Tamil communities. These homes are part of the Indian Housing Project, aimed at providing better living conditions with assistance from the Indian government.
With this initiative, the total number of houses provided to Tamil communities will reach 50,000. Additionally, a new phase of construction is underway, which aims to build another 10,000 houses.
India’s support for development in Sri Lanka plays a crucial role in the bilateral relationship. The Indian government has funded numerous projects across the country, including the construction of 60,000 homes. This effort is part of a larger grant assistance project totaling over ₹1,800 crore.
On Monday, Radhakrishnan will visit Nuwara Eliya to see the housing projects first-hand and engage with the local Tamil community. It is important to note that roughly 1.6 million people of Indian Tamil origin live in Sri Lanka, constituting about 7% of the population.
This visit comes on the heels of recent interactions between the two nations. Earlier this year, President Disanayaka visited India, followed by a visit from Prime Minister Amarasuriya in October 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also held multiple discussions with President Disanayaka on various topics of mutual interest.
In response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025, India quickly provided assistance, including a $450 million package for relief and rehabilitation efforts. India’s Navy and Coast Guard also acted swiftly to mitigate environmental impacts from incidents like the MV XPress Pearl.
Overall, this visit is expected to enhance the longstanding ties between India and Sri Lanka, further fostering cooperation and support between the two neighbors.
