India notes steady progress in relations with Sri Lanka

India noted the steady progress in its relations with Sri Lanka during talks between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Jaishankar had talks with Wickremesinghe who was in New Delhi for the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Appreciate President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka for receiving me this morning in New Delhi. Recognized the steady progress in India-Sri Lanka relations,” Jaishankar said on X.

Meanwhile, the President’s office said that Jaishankar addressed the swift resumption of development projects initiated in Sri Lanka with Indian investments, which had been halted midway.

He expressed his intent to visit Sri Lanka in the near future to oversee the progress of these activities.

Senior Minister Jaishankar assured that he would visit Sri Lanka soon to coordinate the Prime Minister?s visit and expedite the commencement of development projects funded by Indian investments.

The discussions also covered India?s ?Neighborhood First? policy. Minister Jaishankar highlighted plans for an industrial zone in Trincomalee, to be established by the Indian government, which will attract numerous Indian investors and potentially investors from other countries.

President Wickremesinghe noted that the new Economic Transformation Act will devolve powers in agriculture, health, education, and economic management to the Provincial Councils.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe also mentioned that the Truth and Reconciliation Bill will be submitted to Parliament by next July. The meeting also covered the agricultural modernization program being implemented in the country and addressed the ongoing issues between the fishermen of both nations, aiming for a swift resolution.

President Wickremesinghe announced that estate line rooms will be designated as estate villages through a gazette notification, allowing for their development under the Ministry of Home Affairs. He also extended warm congratulations to Minister S. Jaishankar on his reappointment. The President also recalled his invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka in the near future.

In attendance were President?s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Foreign Ministry Secretary Aruni Wijewardene, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Kshenuka Senewiratne, and President?s Private Secretary Sandra Perera. (Colombo Gazette)