Jaffna replicating Gujarat housing model, says Modi

Calling it a “heart-wrenching” experience, he said, “You had lost loved ones. For a roof over your head, you had only the open sky. But I am now happy to see that India has brought relief to you through this housing programme.”

A group of women were chosen as the beneficiaries, who were given the possession certificates by Modi at the north-west Ilavalai village, about 17 km off Jaffna town.

Modi said that the concept of the ownership-driven model being implemented in Sri Lanka was first implemented in Gujarat after the Bhuj earthquake, when he was the chief minister.
“Officials from southern states came to Gujarat to see the project after Tsunami affected them. They were very excited. I am glad that concept has been replicated here,” he said.

Earlier in the day, he said Jaffna is spreading the message of peace to the world and added that India is proud to have an opportunity to establish a unique and world-level cultural centre there.

“Jaffna is making a new mark for itself, spreading message of peace to the world. India is proud to have an opportunity to establish a unique and world-level cultural centre in Jaffna,” the Prime Minister said after laying the foundation stone for the Jaffna Cultural Centre.

Stressing that peace, unity and goodwill are essential for a country’s development, he recalled that he told the Lankan Parliament that “cooperative federalism” is necessary for the all round development of a country.

In a reference to the burning of the Jaffna Public Library in the 1980s, Modi said that it had snapped the links of the present times with the history of the place. “Road, harbours and airports do link people, but books link them with their history,” he said.

“I assure you that the work we’ve started will be completed well in time and will be better than your imagination. I’m confident that the Talaimannar Railway project will give pace to the development of this area,” he added.

Modi, who was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s President, Maithripala Sirisena, offered prayers at the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura.