Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that his government has always looked after the well-being of Sri Lankan Tamils and has “constantly” raised the issue of their rights with the island nation’s leaders.
India has always been committed to ensuring that Tamils live in fairness, equality, justice, peace and dignity, he said here, after launching various government projects in the defense and rail sectors.
Modi recalled the various welfare initiatives taken by the Center in the housing and health sectors aimed at benefiting the Tamils of Lanka, and said he was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Jaffna (in 2015) in northern Sri Lanka.
“Our government has always cared for the welfare and aspirations of the Tamil brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka. It is an honor for me to have been the only Indian Prime Minister to visit Jaffna. Through development work, we are ensuring the well-being of the Tamil community, ”he said.
India has built 50,000 houses for displaced Tamils in northeast Sri Lanka and another 4,000 in plantation areas, while “we hope to open soon” the Jaffna Cultural Center, he added.
“The issue of the rights of the Tamils has also been systematically raised with Sri Lankan leaders. We are always committed to ensuring that they (Tamils) live with fairness, equality, justice, peace and dignity, ”Modi said.
The issue of the Sri Lankan Tamils has always had an emotional connection in Tamil Nadu and has often dominated the political space here.
Modi also noted India’s efforts on rail projects for Jaffna and Mannar, air connectivity from Chennai to Jaffna, and initiatives in the health sector.
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