India’s Economic Support Vital for a Prosperous Sri Lanka: President Dissanayake
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted the crucial role of India’s economic support in achieving his vision for a prosperous Sri Lanka during a meeting with visiting External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Thursday. He reaffirmed that Sri Lankan territory would not be used in any way that could jeopardize India’s security interests.
Jaishankar’s visit marked the first by a high-ranking foreign official since Dissanayake took office on September 22. During his day-long trip, Jaishankar engaged with key leaders, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, and also met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sajith Premadasa, leader of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party.
In their discussions, Jaishankar addressed various initiatives related to energy production, fuel supply, solar electrification, connectivity, digital infrastructure, health, and dairy development, all of which aim to promote economic sustainability and generate new revenue streams.
Dissanayake mentioned the potential for exporting renewable energy to India, which could lower production costs in Sri Lanka and create additional resources. He also acknowledged the significant contribution of Indian tourists to the Sri Lankan economy.
Regarding Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, Jaishankar noted India’s early support for the nation’s economic recovery, stating that India was the first country to provide financing assurances, facilitating the IMF’s finalization of the Extended Fund Facility.
The EAM confirmed India’s involvement in the Official Creditors’ Committee concerning Sri Lanka’s agreements with International Sovereign Bond holders and expressed willingness to expedite the conclusion of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka.
Discussions on security and defense underscored the intertwined interests of India and Sri Lanka, with both leaders acknowledging the importance of ongoing dialogue to foster trust and mutual sensitivity. Dissanayake reiterated that Sri Lankan territory would not be used against India’s security interests.
Prior to meeting Dissanayake, it was announced that 50 Indian fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy for crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line would be released and returned home soon. Jaishankar welcomed this decision and raised concerns about other detained Indian fishermen, advocating for their prompt release and reconsideration of heavy fines imposed on them.
He emphasized that a humanitarian approach focusing on livelihood issues would provide a sustainable solution to these matters, suggesting a meeting of the Joint Working Group on Fisheries.
Jaishankar extended an invitation for Dissanayake to visit India at a mutually convenient time and discussed the ethnic reconciliation process in Sri Lanka. He reaffirmed India’s support for the aspirations of all communities, including Tamils, for equality and justice while maintaining Sri Lanka’s unity and sovereignty.
In his conversation with Prime Minister Amarasuriya, Jaishankar expressed India’s readiness to assist with training and capacity-building efforts, focusing on the benefits of digital public infrastructure.
Upon arrival in Colombo, Jaishankar was greeted by Lankan Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, followed by extensive discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and highlighted plans to modernize the Kankesanthurai port with a grant of USD 61.5 million.
Jaishankar also indicated that payments for seven completed Line of Credit projects, totaling USD 20 million, could be converted into grants, and announced that India would gift 22 diesel locomotives to Sri Lankan Railways.
As Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbor and a steadfast ally, India remains committed to supporting the country’s recovery from its severe economic crisis.
