Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told foreign minister S Jaishankar in a meeting that Lankan territory would never be allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests, govt said in a readout.
Both countries also agreed in meetings with Jaishankar, who became the first foreign minister to visit Sri Lanka since Dissanayake assumed office, that security and defence interests of the nations were closely intertwined.”Their collaboration was in mutual interest and contributed to the stability and security of the region. The importance of a continuous dialogue that would promote trust, transparency and mutual sensitivity was recognised,” the Indian govt said.
As Jaishankar, on behalf of PM Narendra Modi, invited Dissanayake to visit India, the Lankan president said India’s economic support is critical to realise his vision of a prosperous Sri Lanka and meeting the aspirations of the people.
“He referred to the potential of export of renewable energy to India, which could help reduce production costs in Sri Lanka and create additional resources. Dissanayake noted contribution of Indian tourists and recognised that this has the potential to grow further,” it stated.
Jaishankar assured India’s ongoing development assistance to Sri Lanka through projects of Sri Lankan priority will be continued. He emphasised that India has offered to modernise the Kankesanthurai port through a grant to the tune of $ 61.5 million. He conveyed that payments for seven completed Line of Credit projects to the tune of $ 20 million could be converted into grants. India has also decided to gift 22 diesel locomotives to Sri Lankan railways. Jaishankar raised the fishermen and ethnic issues, reiterating India’s support for the aspirations of all communities, including Tamils, for equality, justice, dignity, peace while maintaining the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.