88 New Homes End 30-Year Wait for Tamil Refugees in India

Families who fled civil war in Sri Lanka over 30 years ago are getting the keys to brand new homes in Tamil Nadu, India, ending decades of temporary living conditions.

The 88 houses in Tirupattur district will be virtually inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at the end of January. Each home spans 291 square feet and includes a living room, bedroom, kitchen, and attached bathroom with free water and electricity connections.

These families have been living in rehabilitation camps since the early 1990s, cramped in dilapidated single-room structures with minimal facilities. More than 2,200 Sri Lankan Tamil families still live across 17 camps in the region, having sought refuge during Sri Lanka's brutal civil war.

This isn't just about four walls and a roof. The new housing community includes a children's center, public library, vocational training workshop, community center, and a fair price shop to help families access affordable groceries.

S. Poongodi, an official overseeing the project, confirmed that District Collector Sivasoundaravalli will inspect the homes before families move in. The state government invested about 71 million rupees (roughly $850,000) in this phase alone, with each house costing the equivalent of $9,700.

The Ripple Effect

This project represents the second phase of a larger initiative launched in November 2021. In 2023, the first phase already delivered 160 new homes to refugee families living in nearby camps.

The investment goes beyond construction. New approach roads are being laid to connect the settlement to main roads, and overhead water tanks ensure reliable water supply for the entire community.

For children who've only known temporary camp life, these permanent homes mean stability for education and friendships. Parents can finally establish small businesses or home-based work without the uncertainty of temporary shelter.

The vocational training center planned for the complex could help a new generation develop marketable skills, breaking cycles of poverty that often trap refugee communities.

More than 5,400 Sri Lankan Tamils currently live in camps across four districts in Tamil Nadu. Tiruvannamalai district hosts the most, with 11 camps housing over 3,000 people who've been waiting decades for permanent solutions.

After 30 years of temporary living, these 88 families are finally coming home.