Colombo [Sri Lanka], April 5 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with leaders of the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community in Sri Lanka's Colombo on Saturday and stressed that the community 'constitutes a living bridge' between two nations for more than 200 years.

During the meeting, PM Modi reiterated India's 'strong commitment' to the development and progress of the Indian-origin Tamil community. He said that India will support the construction of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, the sacred site Seetha Eliya temple, and other community development projects for the Indian-origin Tamil community in cooperation with the Sri Lankan government.

'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,' PM Modi posted on X.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1908496252146237748

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to X to share details regarding PM Modi's interaction with the Indian-Origin Tamil community.

In a post on X, Jaiswal stated, 'PM @narendramodi interacted with the leaders of Indian Origin Tamil community in Colombo. Underlining the special bond India shares with the IOT community, PM reiterated India's strong commitment to the development & progress of the IOTs.'

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1908501051793125416

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held a meeting with Sri Lanka's Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa and appreciated his personal contribution and commitment to strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

PM Modi said that cooperation and robust development partnerships between India and Sri Lanka are guided by the welfare of the people of the two nations.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, 'Glad to meet Sri Lanka's Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Sajith Premadasa. Appreciated his personal contribution and commitment to strengthening India-Sri Lanka friendship. Our special partnership receives support in Sri Lanka cutting across party lines. Our cooperation and robust development partnership are guided by the welfare of the people of our two countries.'

PM Modi held a bilateral meeting and delegation-level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. PM Modi called his talks with Dissanayake 'productive and extensive.

'Held extensive and productive talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo. A few months ago, President Dissanayake chose India as the place for his first overseas visit after becoming President. Now, I have the honour of being the first foreign leader he is hosting in his Presidency. This indicates his personal commitment to India-Sri Lanka ties and the unbreakable bond that exists between our nations,' PM Modi posted on X.

PM Modi is on a State visit to Sri Lanka at the invitation of Sri Lankan President Disanayaka. His arrival in Colombo on Friday marked his first visit to Sri Lanka since 2019.

PM Modi was accorded a historic ceremonial welcome at Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday. It is the first time that Sri Lanka has honoured a visiting leader in this manner.

Prime Minister Modi reached Colombo after concluding his visit to Thailand, where he attended the BIMSTEC Summit and held bilateral talks with several world leaders, including Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay. (ANI)