The World Tamil Sangam on Sunday gifted 16 life-size statues of renowned Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar to Sri Lanka at an event in Chennai.
The World Tamil Sangam, founded by VG Santhosam, handed over the statues to Sri Lanka State Minister of Education, Thissa Hewavithana, and Deputy High Commissioner, Chennai, V. Krishnamoorthy.
"Naturally, this is very good opportunity for Tamil Nadu people and Lankan people to get together and have a bit going with a very good relationship, cultural and educational relationship, with the two countries and two states," said Hewavithana.
The statues will be installed at 16 different places across the island nation.
"Our relationship, the bondage, all will be highlighted. The people get to know the good part of the human relations, that is, what even Thiruvalluvar (poet), he is the one, he preached in his poems. So, that will all be strengthened, humanity, human values, what it shown from these aspects, it will be further strengthened. I hope it will have a good, excellent relation in our country, especially both Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka," said Krishnamoorthy.
Indo-Lankan ties have deepened in recent times, especially after President Maithripala Sirisena took over from his predecessor Mahinda Rajapaksa in January 2015. High-level bilateral visits have increased in frequency and trade has received a boost.