President RW pledges to unite citizens and progress for SL

• Says Govt. policy prioritises rights of all citizens regardless of background
• Extends gratitude to Indian Premier Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman for assisting SL during worst economic crisis
• Lays foundation stone for project to construct 10,000 houses with Indian aid in Mount Vernon Estate, Dimbula, Kotagala
• Inaugurates auditorium and computer unit virtually at Hatton Vocational Training Centre
• Assures to provide land titles, ensuring education rights for upcountry Tamil people
• Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena recognises significant contributions of upcountry Tamil community in promoting ‘Ceylon Tea’
• Cites ‘Naam 200’ is initiation of comprehensive program for full integration of hill Tamil community into Sri Lankan society
• Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman expresses readiness for cooperation in securing their rights
• Plantation Infrastructure and Water Supply Minister and Sri Lanka Labour Congress Secretary JeevanThondaman stresses need for real changes to honour Tamil community’s contributions to economy

President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday renewed his commitment to unifying all citizens for the collective advancement of Sri Lanka. 

Speaking at the ‘Naam 200’ celebration in Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Wickremesinghe emphasised the Government’s policy to safeguard the rights of every Sri Lankan, irrespective of their background, with the ultimate aim of propelling the country towards development.

The event commemorated the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) people in the hill country, attracting over 5,000 Tamil attendees who warmly welcomed Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

The celebration showcased a rich tapestry of cultural performances.

President Wickremesinghe and Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman also laid the foundation stone for a housing project supported by Indian aid, which will see the construction of 10,000 houses in the lower section of Mount Vernon Estate, Dimbula, Kotagala. Additionally, a state-of-the-art auditorium and computer unit at the Hatton Vocational Training Centre were inaugurated virtually, and essential school supplies were distributed to students.

Wickremesinghe extended his gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his contributions to Sri Lanka’s financial stability at present, recalling the pivotal role played by India with timely assistance at the height of the economic crisis. He also commended Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman for her unwavering dedication to the cause, noting that the event otherwise would not be successful.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena acknowledged the substantial contributions of the upcountry Tamil community, particularly in the promotion of ‘Ceylon Tea’ and their enduring efforts towards Sri Lanka’s development over the past two centuries. 

He pointed out that this marks the initiation of a comprehensive program aimed at the full integration of this community into Sri Lankan society.

Indian Finance Minister Sitharaman lauded the significant contributions of the Tamil upcountry people to the Sri Lankan economy and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Government in acknowledging and securing their rights.

Plantation Infrastructure and Water Supply Minister and Sri Lanka Labour Congress Secretary Jeevan Thondaman highlighted the imperative need for tangible changes to honour the Tamil community’s hard work in boosting the country’s economy. 

He also conveyed his gratitude to the Government of India.

The event was attended by religious leaders, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and many other Government officials. It garnered participation from both domestic and international audiences, including foreign diplomats.