Colombo, Jan 8 (NationPress) Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa emphasized on Thursday that India's leadership is vital for sustaining long-term peace and stability within the South Asia region.

Rajapaksa remarked that there exists an urgent requirement for enhanced regional collaboration in South Asia, especially in light of recent global security issues.

"Given the backdrop of recent global security developments, there is a pressing need for more robust regional cooperation in South Asia, where India can play a pivotal role. Countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have faced political instability, characterized by public unrest and governmental shifts. Extremist factions have sometimes instigated these disruptions," Rajapaksa shared on X.

"Confronting these challenges demands a united effort to combat extremism, avert political violence, and protect minority rights. Thus, heightened regional coherence in South Asia is essential to navigate emerging crises and collectively tackle shared obstacles. In this light, India's leadership is crucial for fostering long-term peace and stability in the region," he elaborated.

He highlighted that the forthcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal offer a promising chance to re-establish democratic legitimacy through transparent elections, which will bolster regional security.

"With aligned aspirations aimed at growth and stability, South Asia can enhance its global influence, making regional unity indispensable for enduring peace and coherence. The upcoming elections in Bangladesh and Nepal present a significant opportunity to reaffirm democratic legitimacy through fair elections, contributing to the enhancement of regional security," Rajapaksa posted on X.

In December of the previous year, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar visited Colombo, meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During this visit, EAM Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regards and message of solidarity following the Cyclone Ditwah.

EAM Jaishankar also unveiled a reconstruction package worth USD 450 million for Sri Lanka, which covers the rehabilitation and restoration of road, railway, and bridge connections, the construction of homes that were completely destroyed or partially damaged, and assistance for the health and education sectors.

"I was pleased to meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm wishes and solidarity message in the wake of Cyclone Ditwah," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

"Building on our initial response efforts under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India will commit USD 450 million for Sri Lanka aimed at rehabilitation and restoration of infrastructural connectivity; construction of homes that have been fully or partially destroyed; support for health and education sectors, particularly those impacted by the cyclone; agriculture to mitigate potential shortages; and improved disaster response and preparedness," he added.

He also met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to assist Sri Lanka in its recovery from Cyclone Ditwah.

In a statement shared on X, EAM Jaishankar expressed, "It was great to meet with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya of Sri Lanka today in Colombo. I assured him of India's unwavering commitment to Sri Lanka's recovery following Cyclone Ditwah. The reconstruction package from India reflects the deep ties between our nations."

EAM Jaishankar also engaged with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe, reiterating India's comprehensive support for the island nation's recovery and reconstruction in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.

"I was delighted to meet with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath along with Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, Labour and Deputy Finance Minister Anil Jayantha, and Deputy Tourism Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe this afternoon," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

"I reiterated India's full support to Sri Lanka for its recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. We discussed the implementation of the reconstruction package and additional relief measures," he concluded.