'India dreamt of secure, prosperous future for Sri Lanka'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India always dreamt of a secure, prosperous and peaceful future for Sri Lanka, where the desire of all for growth and development were met.

Addressing the beneficiaries of an Indian housing project in Sri Lanka through a video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "So many of you are taking possession of the newly built independent houses in the plantation areas under the innovative Indian Housing Project. We are happy that India will be part of your journey towards land ownership. You have actively participated in building these houses. These are symbols of your sweat and toil. That is the success and uniqueness of the participatory owner-driven approach of the Indian Housing Project."

Highlighting the importance of the Indian Housing Project in Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said the establishments were embodiments of the dreams of people in both Sri Lanka and India and not mere physical structures.

"We have out of our total commitment of 60,000 houses in Sri Lanka, completed close to 47,000 houses so far in Sri Lanka! It gives me immense satisfaction to see that India has kept its promises. And today, we are handing over the first lot of houses built in the plantation areas under Indian assistance," he added.

The Prime Minister further stressed that for India, Sri Lanka has always been special, and will remain so in the future as well.

"I am confident that your contribution will further strengthen the economic fabric of Sri Lanka. The Government and people of India are with you in your journey towards greater peace and prosperity," he added.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was the Chief Guest at the occasion, thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government for the assistance.