Dissanayake, PM Modi hold wide-ranging talks in Delhi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said issues related to fishermen's livelihood were discussed during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and both sides agreed on the need for a humanitarian approach to resolve this issue.

In a joint statement at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi expressed hope that the Sri Lankan government would fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community. He stressed the importance of fully implementing the Sri Lankan constitution and holding provincial council elections as scheduled.

“We also discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihoods and agreed that we need to take a humanitarian approach in this area. Regarding reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake spoke to me about his inclusive approach. We hope that the Sri Lankan government will respond to the aspirations of the Tamils ​​and fulfill its commitment to fully implement the Constitution of Sri Lanka and hold provincial council elections. I assured President Dissanayake that India would continue to be a reliable and reliable partner in his efforts to develop Sri Lanka. , “Prime Minister” Modi said.

Both leaders also announced plans to improve connectivity. Prime Minister Modi said he and Anura Kumara Dissanayake had decided to start a ferry service between Rameswaram and Talaimannar. “The Chennai-Jaffna ferry service and air connectivity has boosted tourism and strengthened our cultural ties. We have decided that after the successful launch of ferry services from Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai, a ferry service would now be launched between Rameswaram and Talaimannar. Work will also be carried out to realize the immense potential of tourism through the Sri Lanka Buddhist Circuit and Ramayana Trail,” he said.

Highlighting security and defense cooperation, Prime Minister Modi said they have decided to enter into a defense cooperation agreement and cooperate on hydrography soon.

“Our security interests are intertwined. We have decided to conclude a defense cooperation agreement in the near future. Cooperation in the field of hydrography has also been agreed. We believe that the Colombo Security Conclave is a important platform for regional peace, security and development. In this framework, cooperation will be strengthened on subjects such as maritime security, the fight against terrorism, cybersecurity, the fight against smuggling and organized crime. , humanitarian aid and relief in case of disaster,” he added.

Welcoming President Dissanayake to India, Prime Minister Modi said he was happy that New Delhi was his first foreign visit after assuming office. “I welcome President Dissanayake to India. We are happy that you (Anura Kumara Dissanayake) have chosen India as your first foreign visit. This visit will bring new speed and energy to the ties. For our partnership , we took a futuristic view,” he says.

Speaking on India-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, Prime Minister Modi said, “In our economic cooperation, we have focused on investment-led growth and connectivity. We decided that physical, digital and energy connectivity would be important pillars of our partnership. Work will be carried out to establish connectivity to the power grid and a multi-oil pipeline will be given to the Sampur solar power plant. The LNG will be supplied to Sri Lankan power plants. In order to boost bilateral trade, both sides will attempt to conclude Ekta soon. “.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India has so far provided $5 billion in lines of credit and grants to Sri Lanka and added that the cooperation has reached all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.

“India has so far provided $5 billion in line of credit and grants to Sri Lanka. We cooperate in all 25 districts of Sri Lanka and the selection of our projects is always based on the countries' development priorities development cooperation partners, we have decided that financial assistance will be provided for the rehabilitation of the signaling system of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway section and the Kankesanthurai port,” he said.

Announcing monthly scholarships for 200 students from universities in Jaffna and Eastern Province from next year, Prime Minister Modi said, “As part of education cooperation, from the year Next month, monthly scholarships will be provided to 200 students from universities in Jaffna and the Eastern Province. Over the next five years, 1,500 civil servants from Sri Lanka will be trained in India. Apart from housing, renewable energy and infrastructure, India will also cooperate in the development of agriculture, dairy and fisheries in Sri Lanka. participate in the unique digital identity project in Sri Lanka.

Highlighting the people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka, he said, “People-to-people relations between India and Sri Lanka are linked to our civilizations. When the Pali language achieved classical language status in India, it was also celebrated in Sri Lanka.

In an article on X, MEA said that extensive discussions took place between the delegations of India and Sri Lanka led by Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake respectively. “Both sides reviewed the comprehensive partnership and agreed on a roadmap to deepen ties for the mutual benefit of both countries as well as the region,” the MEA said.

Earlier this morning, Sri Lankan President Dissanayake visited Rajghat and paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting L Murugan was present during the visit.

In an article on Bapu's timeless values ​​of truth and non-violence continue to inspire humanity. all over the world, Anura Kumara Dissanayake received a solemn reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi in the morning from the President. Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Dissanayake inspected a guard of honor from the Combined Defense Services. On this occasion, President Droupadi Murmu and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake introduced themselves to their respective ministers, diplomats and officials. The Sri Lankan president shared a video on X which showed him receiving a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Sri Lankan President is on a state visit to India from December 15 to 17. This is Dissanayake's first bilateral visit to India since taking office in September. Earlier on Sunday, the Sri Lankan President was received by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan in Delhi.

After arriving in Delhi, President Dissanayake also met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.

In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “Sri Lanka is India's closest maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a central place in the Prime Minister's vision of “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All). in the region) and India’s “neighborhood first” policy. (with contributions from the agency)

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