Indian housing project commences in Walahanduwa Estate in Galle

Tuesday, 16 February 2021 02:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The construction of 50 houses in Walahanduwa estate on grant basis under Indian Housing Project kicked off yesterday, the Indian High Commission said yesterday.

The foundation stone for the project was jointly laid by High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay (in virtual mode), State Minister of Estate Housing and Community Infrastructure Jeevan Thondaman, Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.

High Commissioner Gopal Baglay addressed the gathering through a special video message said India will continue to support Sri Lanka during the current challenging times, within the limits of its capacity. He said that India is committed to assist Sri Lanka in its’ overall socioeconomic development focusing on the priorities areas of the Government of Sri Lanka which are water and sanitation, skill development, IT and agriculture.

High Commissioner said that the new phase of housing project for construction of 10,000 houses for plantation area, promised by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi would begin in 2021. This project will start soon on new modalities of cooperation, in line with the vision of late Minister Arumugam Thondaman.

The Indian Housing Project in Walahanduwa Estate, Galle is part of Government of India's flagship Indian Housing Project in Sri Lanka to construct 50,000 houses with a total allocation of $ 270 million in grants. Out of which, 4,000 houses are being constructed in the plantation regions of Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka.

These 50 new two-bedroom houses would be constructed for the plantation community in an owner driven model. The project will be implemented in close consultation with the State Ministry of Estate Infrastructure and Community Infrastructure.

The project is in continuation of Government of India’s people-oriented development cooperation partnership with Government of Sri Lanka. India’s overall commitment of development assistance to Sri Lanka stands at a total of around $ 3.5 billion and among these, $ 560 million is under grants. Consul General of India, Hambantota Dipin P.R. represented the Indian High Commission in the event. MP Rameshwaran, Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) Member Senthil Thondaman also graced the event.