India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently visited Sri Lanka on a bilateral visit this Friday. This visit was significant as it was the first by a foreign dignitary since the election of Sri Lanka’s new President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
In their discussions on security and defense, India and Sri Lanka acknowledged their closely intertwined interests and mutual benefits from collaboration, which contributes to regional stability and security. They emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to foster trust, transparency, and mutual sensitivity. President Dissanayake assured that Sri Lankan territory would never be used in a way that threatens India’s security interests.
“The (Sri Lankan) President reiterated that Sri Lankan territory would never Be allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests.”
– Ministry of External Affairs
Along with the President, the EAM also met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and held discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. EAM also met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of SJB, Sajith Premadasa.
In his discussions with Foreign Minister Herath, EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR outlook. He assured continued development assistance for Sri Lankan priority projects, including a US$61.5 million grant to modernize Kankesanthurai port. Additionally, he mentioned converting US$20 million in completed Line of Credit projects into grants and gifting 22 diesel locomotives to Sri Lankan Railways.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, EAM’s conversation with the leadership also covered facilitating Indian investments and job creation in Sri Lanka, as well as expanding the flow of Indian tourists.
“In his meeting with Prime Minister Amarasuriya, he underlined that the Government of India was prepared to respond to the training and capacity building requirements of Sri Lanka. Their discussion also focused on the benefits of digital public infrastructure” said the govt.’s press release.
“Honored to call on President @anuradisanayake today in Colombo. Conveyed warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu and PM @narendramodi” S Jaishankar wrote in post on X.
“Appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance for the [India-Sri Lanka] relations. Discussed ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and strengthen India-Sri Lanka ties for the benefit of people of two countries and the region.”
-S Jaishankar on X (twitter)
“He referred to the potential of export of renewable energy to India, which could help reduce production costs in Sri Lanka and create additional resources. Dissanayake noted contribution of Indian tourists and recognised that this has the potential to grow further,” it stated.
The EAM also extended an invitation to the Sri Lankan President on behalf of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
First dignitary to visit Sri Lanka since Elections
Sri Lanka recently experienced a significant regime change with the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayake as President on September 21, 2024. This change came after a period of intense public protests and economic turmoil that led to the resignation of the previous president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. This election was the first since the mass protests in 2022 that led to his resignation.
Dissanayake, a leader from the National People’s Power (NPP) alliance, was elected as the new president. His election is seen as a shift towards addressing corruption, political cronyism, and economic mismanagement.
Incumbent president Ranil Wickremesinghe won 17% of the vote, putting him in third place in the polling. He was eliminated from the second count, which was only between the two frontrunners. Wickremesinghe congratulated his successor.
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