The foundation stone for the construction of 50 houses in Walahanduwa estate on grant basis under Indian Housing Project was jointly laid by High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr. Gopal Baglay (in virtual mode), Hon’ble Mr. Jeevan Thondaman, State Minister of Estate Housing & Community Infrastructure, Hon’ble Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Plantation on 15 February 2021
High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Gopal Baglay addressed the gathering through a special video message. H.E. Gopal Baglay told the gathering that 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 socio-economic development focusing on the priorities areas of the Government of Sri Lanka which are water & 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 US$ 270 million in grants. Out of which, 4000 houses are being constructed in the plantation regions of Central, Uva, Sabragamuwa and Southern Provinces of Sri Lanka.
These 50 new 2-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 & Community Infrastructure, Government of Sri Lanka.
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 US$ 3.5 billion and among these, US$ 560 million is under grants.
Consul General of India, Hambantota Mr Dipin P.R. represented the Indian High Commission in the event. Hon’ble Mr Rameshwaran, Member of Parliament, Hon’ble Mr. Senthil Thondaman, Member of Office of National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) also graced the event.