Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Embark on First International Journey to India from December 15
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Colombo, Dec 10 (NationPress) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will embark on a two-day official journey to India from December 15 to 17, marking his inaugural international trip since taking office in September.
The announcement was made by Sri Lanka's Cabinet spokesperson and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, who confirmed that Dissanayake is scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss and improve bilateral relations.
"He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando," Jayatissa informed reporters.
This visit follows an invitation extended by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar during his visit to Colombo earlier this year, shortly after the National People's Power (NPP) party assumed power.
During his one-day visit to Colombo on October 4, EAM Jaishankar met with President Dissanayake and conveyed India's strong commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation based on its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR approach.
In his discussion with the Sri Lankan President, the EAM addressed ongoing initiatives in the domains of energy production and transmission, fuel and LNG supply, solar electrification of religious sites, connectivity, digital public infrastructure, health, and dairy development. He emphasized that these efforts would contribute to economic sustainability and generate new revenue streams.
The Sri Lankan President articulated that India's financial support is vital to fulfill his vision of a thriving Sri Lanka and meet the aspirations of the populace. He referred to the potential for exporting renewable energy to India, which could help lower production costs in Sri Lanka and create additional resources. Dissanayake also acknowledged the role of Indian tourists, recognizing the potential for further growth.
"Regarding Sri Lanka's debt restructuring endeavors, EAM Jaishankar noted that India had consistently backed Sri Lanka's economic stability and recovery from the outset. India was the first nation to provide financing assurances, enabling the IMF to finalize the Extended Fund Facility. He confirmed India's support within the Official Creditors' Committee concerning Sri Lanka's agreement with International Sovereign Bond holders. India is also inclined to expedite the conclusion of its bilateral MoU with Sri Lanka. The President expressed his gratitude in that regard," stated a release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on October 4.
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar also engaged with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and held discussions with the nation's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
President Dissanayake's upcoming visit to India is anticipated to strengthen India-Sri Lanka relations, with discussions likely focused on economic collaboration, regional stability, and reconciliation efforts within the island nation.
