Sri Lanka looks forward to India’s support in intelligence, counter-terrorism - PM

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has told his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi that Sri Lanka looks forward to India’s continued support to enhance the island nation’s capabilities in intelligence and counter-terrorism.

This was mentioned in the press statement issued by the two leaders following their discussions held this morning (08).

The Premier thanked PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attacks experienced on Easter Sunday last year, stating that it provided the island nation with “immense strength to come to terms with the tragedy.”

He also appreciated PM Modi’s offers of 400 million dollars as a credit line to enhance the economy of Sri Lanka and another 50 million dollar credit line for the country’s efforts in combating terrorism. “We discussed how to follow-up on these offers that were made during President Rajapaksa’s visit in November.”

Speaking further, PM Rajapaksa said that their discussions were also focused on the progress of ongoing projects that are being implemented in Sri Lanka with Indian assistance, including housing and community-related projects. He requested PM Modi to consider extending further assistance to expand the housing project to all parts of the island. “Doing so will provide significant benefits to many Sri Lankans living in rural parts of the country,” he added.

The Prime Minister said their discussions were premised on the outcome of the discussions that PM Modi held with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his very successful State visit to India in November last year.

Speaking on the Indian government’s “Neighborhood First” policy, PM Rajapaksa appreciated the Indian prime minister for the priority that he attaches to relations with Sri Lanka. “We agreed that our cooperation is multi-faceted, with priority given to a number of areas, including security, economic, cultural and social sectors.”

PM Rajapaksa also said: “Prime Minister Modi and I also discussed how Sri Lanka and India could work together in economically important matters. As India emerges to be among the world’s growing economies, I discussed with the Prime Minister how Sri Lanka could benefit out of certain economic sectors where India is strongly positioned. I requested for India’s assistance in skills development and capacity building of the civil services.”

He extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka, while recalling the long-standing friendship Sri Lanka has had with India. “The links of history, religion and culture between Sri Lanka and India, which date back more than two millennia, provide a solid foundation for our partnership,” the Sri Lankan prime minister continued.

In the meantime, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivering the joint press statement, noted that terrorism is an issue that has prevailed in the region, and that India and Sri Lanka have fought it befittingly. He has assured that the two nations will further increase their cooperation against terrorism. He has also stated that as close friends and neighbours, India and Sri Lanka, the two countries share common bonds.

The Indian prime minister said he discussed joint economic projects in Sri Lanka and enhancing trade and investment relations, with his Sri Lankan counterpart. “We also discussed to increase our people-to-people connectivity and encourage tourism,” he further stated.