In Sri Lanka, the foundation stone for construction of 355 houses under Indian Housing Project was jointly laid today by Minister of Hill Country P. Thigambaram, and Deputy High Commissioner of India, Mr. Arindam Bagchi. <br/><br/>The houses are to be built in Bogawana estate on grant basis. The project is part of Government of India's commitment to construct 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka. Around 45,400 houses have already been completed in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. Another 4000 houses will be constructed in the Central and Uva Provinces. <br/><br/>A grant per house of 9,50,000 Sri Lankan rupees is released directly to the beneficiaries in four tranches, linked to the physical progress. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will provide the technical assistance. <br/><br/>The housing project is one of the most successful welfare projects funded by India to assist the neighboring country in resettlement.