Lankan President Dissanayake Affirms Commitment to India's Interests
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New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) Expressing his appreciation for India's immense support during a significant economic crisis, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reiterated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he will not allow the island nation to be utilized in any way that could be detrimental to India's interests.
'I have assured the Prime Minister of India that we will not permit our land to be used in any way that is harmful to India's interests. Our cooperation with India will undoubtedly thrive, and I want to reaffirm our ongoing support for India,' Dissanayake stated following his discussions with PM Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
Dissanayake, who arrived in India on Sunday evening for his inaugural official foreign trip since taking office, expressed his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi for their support and warm hospitality, highlighting that the current visit has opened avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two neighboring nations.
'Two years ago, we faced an exceptional economic crisis, and India provided us with immense assistance to navigate that challenge. It has also been a significant help in the debt restructuring process. I understand that Sri Lanka holds a crucial place in India's foreign policy. PM Modi assured us of his full support and promised to protect Sri Lanka's territorial integrity and sovereignty,' remarked the visiting President.
PM Modi stated that he assured the Lankan President that India will remain a trusted and reliable partner in Sri Lanka's various development initiatives.
'We are fully aligned in recognizing that our security interests are interconnected. We have decided to finalize the Defence Cooperation Agreement promptly. We have also agreed to enhance cooperation in hydrography. The Colombo Security Conclave is a vital platform for regional peace, security, and development. This includes cooperation on issues like maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, combating smuggling and organized crime, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. The connection between the people of India and Sri Lanka is deeply rooted in our shared civilizational ties,' PM Modi articulated during the joint press conference.
PM Modi mentioned that both parties engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the livelihood concerns of fishermen.
While Prime Minister Modi advocated for a 'humane approach' to the matter, Dissanayake emphasized the need for a 'durable and sustainable' solution to what he described as a 'plague' afflicting both nations.
'Bottom trawling practices adopted by fishermen in that region must cease as they threaten the industry's viability,' he remarked.
The Lankan President commended India's remarkable success in digitizing public services and noted that Sri Lanka is embarking on a similar path, with PM Modi promising support in this endeavor.
In addition to his scheduled meetings with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and participation in a business forum aimed at bolstering trade and investment ties, Dissanayake is set to travel to Bodh Gaya.
The visiting delegation includes Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment, and Tourism, along with the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Anil Jayanta Fernando.
Shortly after his arrival on Sunday, the Lankan President met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
'In-depth discussions occurred between President Dissanayake and Minister Sitharaman regarding the enhancement of Indo-Sri Lankan economic cooperation and expanding investment opportunities between the two nations. Talks also included increasing Indian tourism to Sri Lanka, modernizing the agriculture sector, and developing digital infrastructure,' the Lankan President's office reported on Monday.
