Lankan President reflects on ‘successful’ India visit and ‘productive discussions’ with PM Modi

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described his three-day visit to India as “successful,” emphasizing the “productive discussions” he had with Indian leadership and business figures during his trip, which was also his first official foreign visit since taking office in September.

“Returned last night after a successful 3-day official visit to India at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. Engaged in productive discussions with PM Narendra Modi, Indian ministers, and business leaders,” the Lankan President posted on X after returning home.

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, while addressing Parliament, the Lankan President shared that his government had reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the third review to raise the income tax threshold from Rs 100,000 to Rs 150,000 per month.

“He also expressed firm confidence that the challenges faced in 2022 will not be repeated in the country’s future,” local media reported, highlighting Dissanayake’s speech in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, where he also announced that the government aims to increase the nation’s foreign exchange reserves to USD 15.1 billion by 2028.

On Monday, after holding bilateral talks with PM Modi at New Delhi’s Hyderabad House, the Lankan President asserted that his visit had paved the way for further development of cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

“We faced an unprecedented economic crisis two years ago, and India supported us immensely to come out of that quagmire. It has also helped us immensely after that, especially in the debt-free structuring process. I know that Sri Lanka holds a very significant place in India’s foreign policy. PM Modi assured us of full support and that he will always protect Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” said Dissanayake.

He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s position of not permitting its territory to be used in any way detrimental to India’s security or regional stability.

“I have given an assurance to the Prime Minister of India that we will not allow our land to be used in any way that harms India’s interests. The cooperation with India will certainly flourish, and I want to reassure our continued support to India,” the Lankan President stated during a joint press conference.

At the State Banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, Dissanayake highlighted that the bonds between Sri Lanka and India transcend diplomacy and geographical proximity, defined by mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared destiny.

“The strength of our partnership lies in collective action. Through collaborative efforts, we can address challenges that transcend borders, such as environmental concerns, combating terrorism, and ensuring economic growth that benefits all citizens globally. Sri Lanka remains committed to fostering deeper cooperation with India, as a leader of the global South, to harness opportunities for future generations in an interconnected world,” said Dissanayake.

On Tuesday, the Lankan President visited Bodh Gaya, paying homage at the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment, and received blessings.

“Bodh Gaya is one of the four main sacred sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, holding immense significance 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, extended blessings to the President during the occasion,” read a statement from the Lankan President’s office.