Vice President CP Radhakrishnan has begun a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in India's diplomatic efforts under the Neighbourhood First policy. During his visit, he will meet with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and the Leader of the Opposition. The Vice President is also set to engage with the Indian-origin Tamil community, particularly in Nuwara Eliya, where he will visit housing projects developed under India's Housing Project Phase III, which includes 4,000 completed houses and 10,000 more underway. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted Sri Lanka as a key partner, emphasizing the importance of this visit in reinforcing centuries-old civilizational ties and enhancing people-to-people relations. Local leaders, including Santosh Menon, President of the Lanka India Business Association, expressed optimism that the visit will strengthen the bilateral relationship, particularly in business and community ties.