New Delhi February 8: The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris concluded a successful two-day official visit to India from 6 to 8 February at the invitation of the Indian Foreign Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar.
During the talks, Foreign Minister Peiris raised the fisheries issue. Terming it as a ‘flashpoint’, the Minister pointed out that it has become a recurring issue, assuming a different complexion. The two sides then agreed on the urgent need to convene all bilateral mechanisms in this regard.
The meeting between the two Ministers, followed by delegation level talks was held on 7 February at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Observing that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka has evolved from a “transactional relationship into a strategic partnership”, Peiris stated that it is increasingly recognized by the people of Sri Lanka that India is a true friend whom Sri Lanka can rely on at all times.
In this context, Peiris appreciated the financial assistance that the Government of India has extended to Sri Lanka to the tune of 2.4 billion USD at this critical juncture.
Minister Jaishankar assured that the long-standing friendship between the two countries will always be a source of support to Sri Lanka.
The bilateral talks focussed on a wide range of matters of mutual interest, which included economic cooperation, power and energy cooperation, connectivity, people to people contact etc. Particular attention was drawn to the energy security of Sri Lanka.
Referring to the recently inked Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm agreements, Peiris stated that it signals a closer integration between two countries, resulting in substantial benefits; a win-win situation for both. The prospects for renewable energy cooperation, particularly in wind and solar power sectors were also discussed at the talks.
Focussing on the economic development in Sri Lanka, the discussion centred on the potential for Indian investments in priority sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food processing and manufacturing for which Peiris invited Indian investments.
The ways and means to harness the growing Indian outward tourism to revive tourism industry in Sri Lanka were also discussed.
With a view to maintaining the momentum of the trajectory of the Indo-Lanka relationship, the Ministers agreed on the early finalization of several agreements and MoUs in the areas of defence, culture and education, that are pending between the two countries/
Minister Peiris extended an invitation to Minister Jaishankar to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka in March this year. He also stated that Sri Lanka is very much looking forward to Prime Minister of India visiting Sri Lanka for the forthcoming BIMSTEC Summit in March 2022.
Meets NSA Ajit Doval
The meeting between Minister Peiris and National Security Advisor of India Ajit Dovalwas held on 08 February. The National Security Advisor of India and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka discussed a range of issues pertaining to the mutual strategic interests of the two countries. The status of the bilateral relationship was reviewed and priority areas for future cooperation were discussed. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla called on the Foreign Minister.
Foreign Minister Peiris was accompanied to these meetings by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda and senior officials of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi and the Foreign Ministry.
The Foreign Minister had a number of interactions with prominent Indian print and electronic media as well.
