Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, issues related to the livelihood of fishermen were discussed and both sides agreed on the need for a humanitarian approach to resolve the issue.
During a joint statement at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday, PM Modi expressed hope that the Sri Lankan government will fulfill the aspirations of the Tamil community. He stressed the importance of fully implementing the Sri Lankan Constitution and holding the Provincial Council elections in line with the commitment.
“We also discussed issues related to the livelihood of fishermen and agreed that we should proceed with a humanitarian approach in this matter. On reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, President Dissanayake told me about his inclusive approach We hope that the Government of Sri Lanka will fulfill the aspirations of the Sri Lankan Tamils, and I have assured President Dissanayake that India will fulfill its commitment to fully implement the Constitution of Sri Lanka and conduct the Provincial Council elections. will remain a reliable and trusted partner in their development efforts,” PM Modi said.
Both the leaders also announced plans to increase connectivity. PM Modi said that he and Anura Kumara Dissanayake have decided to start a ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar. “The ferry service and Chennai-Jaffna flight connectivity have boosted tourism and strengthened our cultural ties. We have decided that after the successful launch of Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai ferry services, now start the ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar Will go. Work will be done for this also.” Realize the immense tourism potential through Sri Lanka’s Buddhist Circuit and Ramayana Trail,” he said.
Highlighting security and defense cooperation, PM Modi said they have decided to soon conclude a defense cooperation agreement and cooperate on hydrography.
“Our security interests are intertwined. We have decided to conclude the Defense Cooperation Agreement soon. Cooperation on hydrography has also been agreed upon. We believe that the Colombo Security Conclave will be a platform for regional peace, security and development. This is an important platform. Cooperation will be done under this. “It will be extended to areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, fight against trafficking and organized crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
Welcoming President Dissanayake to India, PM Modi expressed happiness that New Delhi is his first foreign visit after assuming office. “I welcome President Dissanayake to India. We are glad that you (Anura Kumar Dissanayake) have chosen India as your first foreign visit. This visit will bring a new momentum and energy to the relations. For our partnership, we have Have adopted a futuristic approach,” he said.
The Sri Lankan President is on a three-day state visit to India from December 15 to 17. This is Dissanayake’s first bilateral visit to India after assuming office in September.
Speaking about economic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, PM Modi said, “In our economic cooperation, we have emphasized investment-led growth and connectivity. We have decided that physical, digital and energy connectivity will be at the core of our partnership.” Will be important pillars.” Work will be done to establish electricity grid connectivity and multi-million petroleum pipelines. LNG will be supplied to Sri Lankan power plants. “Both sides will soon try to end the unity in order to promote bilateral trade.”
PM Narendra Modi said India has so far provided $5 billion in lines of credit and grant assistance to Sri Lanka and said this cooperation has reached all 25 districts of Sri Lanka.
“India has so far provided $5 billion of lines of credit and grant assistance to Sri Lanka. Our cooperation extends to all 25 districts of Sri Lanka and the selection of our projects is always based on the development priorities of the partner countries. We take development cooperation forward “Continuing this, we have decided to provide grants-in-aid for rehabilitation of Maho-Anuradhapura railway section and signaling system of Kankesanthurai port.”
Announcing monthly scholarships for 200 students in the universities of Jaffna and Eastern Province from next year, PM Modi said, “Under education cooperation, monthly scholarships will be given to 200 students in the universities of Jaffna and Eastern Province from next year.” ‘1500 Sri Lankan civil servants will be trained in India in the next 5 years. India will also cooperate in housing, renewable energy and infrastructure as well as development of agriculture, dairy and fisheries in Sri Lanka in the unique digital identity project in Sri Lanka.”
Highlighting the people-to-people relations between India and Sri Lanka, he said, “People-to-people relations between India and Sri Lanka are linked to our civilizations. When Pali language was given the status of classical language in India, Sri Lanka Also celebrated in.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting L Murugan was also present with him.
In a post on Twitter, Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said, “President of Sri Lanka @anuradisanayake paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat this morning. May the noble values of truth and non-violence inspire humanity. Will keep doing.” All over the world.”
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