Sushma assures Sirisena India’s support for his policies

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has told President Maithripala Sirisena the Government of India supports?Sri Lanka’s policies on?reconciliation and development, the President’s office said today.

She says India admires the speech recently delivered by President Maithripala Sirisena in Parliament, stating that he would take the country towards development while bringing about the peace and reconciliation among every community.

?The Indian government will give its fullest support to implement those policies mentioned in that statement?, she said.

Swaraj who called on President Sirisena today at the Official Residence of the President stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India are fully satisfied with the program of the new government of Sri Lanka.

President Sirisena, who commended the support provided to Sri Lanka by India thanked the Indian Government for its comprehensive assistance extended for the reconciliation process and economic proposals especially at?this critical moment.

?India has been a friend of Sri Lanka for a long time. That is why I selected India for the first state visit after my election as the President?, said President Sirisena.

Responding to the President, the India Foreign Minister stated that India?s policy is to keep close friendships with the neighboring countries. ?The Indian government gives priority for Sri Lanka in this regard?, she said.

The Indian Foreign Minister who expressed her satisfaction about the decisions taken regarding the delayed activities during last few years defined by the Indo ? Lanka bilateral discussions, said it was able to come to a new agreement on?technical cooperation.

The President explained the Indian Foreign Minister about the Government?s policy on the establishing of reconciliation in the country, amendment of the constitution and international relations of Sri Lanka.

Indian Foreign Secretary Dr. S. Jaishankar and the High Commissioner Y. K. Sinha also were present at this occasion. (Colombo Gazette)