India's Extension of Overseas Citizen Eligibility in Sri Lanka
During a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan announced significant changes in the eligibility criteria for the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card concerning the Indian community in Sri Lanka.
Extension of OCI Eligibility
- Eligibility extended to the fifth and sixth generations of the Indian diaspora in Sri Lanka.
- Previously, eligibility was limited to the fourth generation.
- OCI cards will be issued based on documents provided by the Sri Lankan government.
Discussion with Sri Lankan President
Vice-President Radhakrishnan engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to address key bilateral relations and issues.
- Focused on multifaceted bilateral ties, including housing projects and fishermen issues.
- Reviewed ongoing Indian project implementations in Sri Lanka, highlighting the $450 million Cyclone Ditwah aid.
Fishermen Issues
- Explored resolving fishermen issues humanely, considering the livelihoods of communities on both sides.
- This remains a contentious topic in India-Sri Lanka relations.
India's Role as a Regional "First Responder"
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized India's growing role as a reliable partner in regional crises.
- Sri Lanka appreciated India's "Neighbourhood First" policy.
- Highlighted India's crucial interventions during the 2022 Economic Crisis and Cyclone Ditwah.
Engagement with Tamil Parties
The Vice-President also met with leaders from Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian Origin Tamil parties to discuss pertinent issues affecting these communities.
