15th june, colombo: A remarkable display of the centuries-old cultural bonds and shared development journey between India and Sri Lanka was witnessed in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. On one hand, the Up-Country Education Development Society (UEDS) of the Indian Origin Tamil (IOT) community celebrated 20 glorious years of its achievements with a grand ceremony. On the other, 5,000 dancers from India and Sri Lanka set a new benchmark by organizing the "largest Bharatanatyam class" and securing a Guinness World Record. This historic convergence of artists, educators, and community members from both countries scripted a new chapter in cultural, educational, and people-to-people cooperation.

India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, described the IOT community as a “living bridge” between India and Sri Lanka during the UEDS event on June 14. He praised the community’s contributions to education and development over the past two decades, stating that it plays an important role in strengthening bilateral ties.

In a statement issued on June 15, the High Commission of India in Colombo said, “High Commissioner also highlighted several projects being implemented under the Government of India. He further noted the ongoing implementation of India’s housing programme for IOT families and the recent decision to extend Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility to the fifth and sixth generations of the Sri Lankan diaspora of Indian origin & procedural relaxations.

Referring to recent reforms in the Ceylon Estate Workers’ Educational Trust scholarship program, the High Commissioner said, “Highlighted the recent enhancement of the Ceylon Estate Workers’ Educational Trust (CEWET) Scholarship Programme, under which the number of beneficiaries has doubled from 350 to 700, along with increased scholarship assistance. ” He also highlighted several projects being implemented under the Government of India’s ₹75 crore Indian Origin Tamil Package, including the upgrading of school infrastructure and STEM training for more than 2,000 plantation school teachers.

It is noteworthy that India and Sri Lanka share a proud history of centuries-old people-to-people connections and a common cultural heritage. Beyond the UEDS celebrations, Colombo’s historic Galle Face Green witnessed another spectacular manifestation of this shared legacy. In a joint India-Sri Lanka event, more than 5,000 dancers performed together to establish a new Guinness World Record for the “world’s largest Bharatanatyam dance class.” Presented before a packed audience, the performance not only achieved a unique global record but also elevated the people-centric partnership and enduring cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka to new heights through the medium of art and culture.