Remarks of High Commissioner at the 

20th Anniversary of Up-Country Education Development Society 

(Cinnamon Lakeside - 14 June 2026)

Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources

Hon. Pradeep Sundaralingam, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure &

H.W. Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Mayor, Colombo Municipal Council

Office Bearers of the Up-Country Education Development Society

Recipients of the Manitharul Maniccam Award

Namaskar! Ayubowan! Vanakkam!

It gives me great pleasure to join you today as the Up-Country Education Development Society (UEDS) celebrates two decades of dedicated service to education and community empowerment.

At the outset, I extend my warm congratulations to the founders, office bearers, volunteers, and well-wishers who have nurtured this remarkable institution over the past twenty years. Your unwavering commitment has created opportunities for thousands of young people and made a meaningful contribution to the advancement of the Up-Country community.

Twenty years is much more than a milestone. It is a testament to vision, perseverance, and selfless service. The story of the Up-Country Education Development Society demonstrates how a community-driven initiative can transform lives through the power of education.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community occupies a special place in the shared history and civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka. Over generations, the community has enriched the multicultural fabric of Sri Lanka and served as a living bridge connecting our two countries.

We firmly believe that education is the most effective instrument for social transformation and inclusive development. Education not only empowers individuals but also strengthens communities and nations. Guided by this belief, India has consistently supported Sri Lanka's efforts to expand educational opportunities, enhance human resource development, and equip young people with the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

A flagship initiative in this regard has been the Ceylon Estate Workers' Education Trust (CEWET) Scholarship Programme, which has supported generations of students by providing financial assistance to pursue their educational aspirations. Behind every scholarship lies a story of determination, aspiration, and achievement. The success of CEWET scholars demonstrates how educational opportunities can transform not only individual lives but also entire families and communities.

As many of you are aware, during the visit of the Hon'ble Vice President of India to Sri Lanka in April this year, a significant enhancement of the CEWET Scholarship Programme was announced. The number of beneficiaries was doubled from 350 to 700 students. The scholarship amount was also substantially increased to LKR 2,500 per month for Advanced Level students and LKR 7,500 per month for students pursuing higher education.

In addition, India continues to provide thousands of scholarships, training opportunities, and professional exchanges under programmes such as the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. These initiatives have benefited students, teachers, professionals, and public officials from across Sri Lanka, including members of the IOT community.

Friends,

Over the years, India has supported numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening educational infrastructure and improving learning outcomes across the country.

Today, several important projects are being implemented with Indian grant assistance, particularly for the benefit of the IOT community. The Government of India has announced a comprehensive package of INR 75 crores to mark 200 years of the arrival of Indian Origin Tamils to Sri Lanka. A number of programmes have been implemented or being implemented under this package. These include the upgradation and provision of modern educational facilities at Saraswathy Central College, Pussellawa, with grant assistance of approximately LKR 101 million, and the establishment of 60 Smart Classrooms in plantation areas with Indian grant assistance of approximately LKR 600 million.

Recognizing the critical role played by teachers in shaping future generations, India organized a comprehensive three-month Teacher Training Programme under the Indian Origin Tamil Package (IOT Package) announced in 2023 to commemorate the bicentenary of the arrival of the Indian Origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka. More than 2,000 plantation school teachers benefited from this initiative and received training in STEM subjects.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

India's development partnership with Sri Lanka is people-centric and guided by the needs and priorities of the people of Sri Lanka.

Our engagement with the Indian Origin Tamil community extends beyond education to housing, livelihood development, infrastructure, and social empowerment.

In this context, I am pleased to note that the final tranche of houses under Phase III of the Indian Housing Project was recently completed and handed over by the Hon'ble Vice President during his visit to Sri Lanka. This phase comprised 4,000 houses for estate worker families across the Central, Uva, and Southern Provinces. We are now implementing the Phase IV of the housing programme for Indian Origin Tamils through which 10,000 houses will be built. Construction of 1,300 houses for beneficiaries is now in advance stage of implementation and construction of houses for another 2,000 beneficiaries is to begin implementation soon.

The Indian Housing Project remains one of India's largest grant assistance projects abroad and has brought tangible improvements to the lives of thousands of families. A secure home provides dignity, stability, and a stronger foundation for education and economic progress.

Another important announcement made during the Hon'ble Vice President's visit was the extension of eligibility for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card for the Sri Lankan diaspora. Previously available up to the fourth generation, eligibility has now been extended to the fifth and sixth generations in the case of Sri Lanka. We have also allowed a simple procedure for processing of applications and agreed to include Certificate of Registration, issued by the Government of Sri Lanka, as an evidence admissible to establish Indian origin of the applicants. This decision will particularly benefit members of the Indian Origin Tamil community and further strengthen their enduring links with India.

Friends,

The partnership between India and Sri Lanka is founded on shared values, mutual trust, and a common aspiration for the prosperity and well-being of our peoples. Education remains one of the most powerful means through which we can build a brighter future together.

Organizations such as the Up-Country Education Development Society play a critical role in translating this vision into reality at the grassroots level. Through its dedication and service, the Society has empowered generations of students and contributed meaningfully to the social and educational advancement of the IOT community.

As Up-Country Education Development Society embarks on its next chapter, I am confident that it will continue to inspire students, educators, volunteers, and development partners alike. While the challenges facing education continue to evolve, so too do the opportunities. Digital technologies, innovation, and stronger regional cooperation can help ensure that quality education reaches every child, regardless of geography or background.

May the next twenty years of Up-Country Education Development Society be even more impactful than the first, bringing hope, opportunity, and empowerment to future generations.

I wish the Up-Country Education Development Society continued success in all its endeavours.

Thank you. Nandri. Vanakkam.

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