Sri Lankan President Reflects on 'Successful' Visit to India and 'Constructive Talks' with PM Modi
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Colombo, Dec 18 (NationPress) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Wednesday characterised his three-day trip to India as quite 'successful', highlighting that he had 'constructive discussions' with the Indian leadership and business community during this first official foreign visit since taking office in September.
'I returned last night after a successful 3-day official visit to India at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. I engaged in productive discussions with PM Narendra Modi, Indian ministers, and business leaders,' the Lankan President stated on X following his return.
The delegation accompanying Dissanayake included Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, as well as Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando.
Later, during a speech in Parliament, the Lankan President announced that his government has secured an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during the third review to increase the monthly income tax threshold from Rs 100,000 to Rs 150,000.
'I am confident that the challenges we faced in 2022 will not recur in our nation's future,' local media reported, highlighting Dissanayake's speech where he also declared that the government aims to boost the foreign exchange reserves to USD 15.1 billion by 2028.
On Monday, after bilateral discussions with PM Modi at New Delhi's Hyderabad House, the Lankan President remarked that his visit has set the stage for enhanced cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.
'We encountered an unprecedented economic crisis two years ago, and India provided immense support to help us navigate through that situation. India has continued to assist us significantly, especially during the debt restructuring process. I know that Sri Lanka holds a vital position in India's foreign policy. PM Modi assured us of his full support and guaranteed that he will always uphold Sri Lanka's territorial integrity and sovereignty,' Dissanayake commented.
He reiterated Sri Lanka's commitment to not allowing its territory to be used in any way that could threaten India's security or regional stability.
'I assured the Prime Minister of India that we will not permit our land to be used in any manner that could harm India's interests. Our cooperation with India will undoubtedly thrive, and I reaffirm our support to India,' the visiting Lankan President stated during a joint press conference.
While addressing the State Banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, he highlighted that the relationship between Sri Lanka and India transcends mere diplomacy and geographical proximity, as it is deeply rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and cooperation.
'The strength of our partnership lies in collaborative action. It is through joint efforts that we can address the emerging challenges that cross borders, whether in tackling environmental issues, combating terrorism, or fostering economic growth that benefits all citizens worldwide. Sri Lanka is dedicated to deepening cooperation with India, as a leader of the global South, to seize the opportunities of the 21st century for future generations in an interconnected world,' said Dissanayake.
On Tuesday, the Lankan President visited Bodh Gaya, where he paid respects at the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the site of Prince Siddhartha's enlightenment, and received blessings.
'Bodh Gaya is one of the four primary sacred sites associated with Gautama Buddha's life, holding immense importance for Buddhists. In 2002, the Mahabodhi Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The General Secretary of the Maha Bodhi Society of India, Venerable Pelwatte Seewalee Thero, and the Head of the Sarnath Centre, Venerable Rathmalwala Sumiththananda Nayake Thero, imparted blessings to the President during this occasion,' according to a statement from the Lankan President's office.
