Lanka President Engages in 'Constructive Dialogues' with FM Sitharaman, EAM Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval
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New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake landed in New Delhi on Sunday for a three-day visit to India, which is his inaugural foreign trip since he took office in September. He expressed that he had “constructive dialogues” with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
In a message on X, President Dissanayake stated, “During my official visit to India, I had the honor of engaging in constructive dialogues with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Our discussions concentrated on enhancing Indo-Sri Lanka economic collaboration, improving investment prospects, promoting regional security, and advancing pivotal sectors like tourism and energy. These interactions reaffirm our dedication to strengthening the partnership between our two countries.”
Previously, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked on X: “Warm and special welcome! President Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka was graciously welcomed by MoS Dr L Murugan upon his arrival in New Delhi. This marks President Dissanayake's first bilateral visit to India since he assumed the Presidency. It presents an opportunity to deepen India-Sri Lanka relations and enhance the people-centric partnership.”
Throughout the visit, Dissanayake will engage with President Droupadi Murmu and discuss bilateral matters of shared interest with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Additionally, President Dissanayake will take part in a business event in Delhi aimed at fostering investment and commercial ties between India and Sri Lanka. He is also scheduled to visit Bodh Gaya as part of his trip.
Sri Lanka is India's closest maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and plays a vital role in Prime Minister's vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as well as India's ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
This visit by President Dissanayake to India is anticipated to further enhance the multifaceted and mutually beneficial cooperation between both nations.
The Sri Lankan President's trip comes following an invitation from External Affairs Minister 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 Anura Kumara Dissanayake and conveyed India's strong commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation grounded in its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR outlook.
