Dissanayake Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties During First Official Visit to New Delhi
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude to India for its significant economic support during Sri Lanka’s financial crisis and for its assistance in restructuring bilateral debt. Dissanayake made these remarks on Monday during his first bilateral visit to New Delhi since taking office in Colombo.
“We faced an unprecedented economic crisis some 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 restructuring process,” Dissanayake stated, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s foreign policy.
In a joint press statement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that India’s bilateral projects in Sri Lanka are always aligned with Colombo’s development priorities. “India has so far provided $5 billion in line of credit and grant assistance to Sri Lanka. We have cooperation in all 25 districts of Sri Lanka,” PM Modi said.
During the visit, PM Modi announced new projects, including assistance for the rehabilitation of the signaling system at the Maho-Anuradhapura railway section and Kankesanthurai Port. He also revealed plans to provide monthly scholarships to 200 students in the universities of Jaffna and Eastern Province. Additionally, India will train 1,500 civil servants from Sri Lanka over the next five years.
“Along with housing, renewable energy, and infrastructure, India will also cooperate in the development of agriculture, dairy, and fisheries in Sri Lanka. India will also participate in the unique digital identity project in Sri Lanka,” PM Modi added.
In response, President Dissanayake assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used in any manner detrimental to India’s interests. “PM Modi assured us of full support and that he will always protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Dissanayake expressed confidence that cooperation with India would continue to flourish, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to supporting India. PM Modi also announced that India would soon finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Sri Lanka, emphasizing the importance of the Colombo Security Conclave for regional peace, security, and development.
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