India’s National Security Advisor holds talks with Sri Lanka’s Presidential candidates

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held talks with Sri Lanka’s Presidential candidates in Colombo.

Ajit Doval met independent candidate, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna candidate Namal Rajapaksa and National Peoples Power candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The President’s Media Division said that the discussion with the President centred around enhancing economic cooperation, strengthening defence ties, and fostering regional collaboration between the two neighbouring nations.

The meeting underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between India and Sri Lanka, exploring avenues to deepen economic engagement and fortify defence cooperation.

The dialogue also touched on broader regional issues, reflecting the shared interests and common challenges faced by the two countries in maintaining stability and security in South Asia.

Chief of Staff to the President and Senior Advisor on National Security Sagala Ratnayaka, also attended the meeting, contributing to the discussions that are expected to further solidify the relationship between India and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the Member States of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) signed the Charter and the MoU for the Establishment of the CSC Secretariat on 30 August 2024. The Signing Ceremony was hosted in Colombo by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Ajit Doval K.C., National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of India; Ibrahim Latheef, DC (Retd.), Lt. Col (Retd.), National Security Advisor of Maldives; Haymandoyal Dillum, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius to Sri Lanka and Sagala Ratnayake, National Security Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka signed the documents on behalf of the respective Member States.

The CSC?s core objective is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the Member States. There are five pillars of cooperation under the CSC namely Maritime Safety and Security; Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation; Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime; Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

The event concluded with a discussion among heads of delegation on the next steps and the future activities of the Conclave. (Colombo Gazette)