Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya today praised India’s Neighbourhood First policy, describing it as a cornerstone of regional stability and cooperation that has benefitted all neighbouring countries.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi under the theme “Steering Change in Uncertain Times,” Prime Minister Amarasuriya said, “India’s rise, coupled with its inclusive approach, provides an anchor of stability. For Sri Lanka, this partnership embodies a shared belief that we achieve more and rise stronger when we rise together.”
She expressed deep gratitude for India’s assistance during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis, calling it a moment that “redefined leadership.”
“India’s support at our hour of need is remembered and deeply valued by our people,” she said, recalling India’s $500 million line of credit for fuel purchases and a $1 billion facility for essential imports including food and medicine during the crisis.
Amarasuriya, who studied at Hindu College, Delhi in the 1990s, reflected on her student days, saying that returning to India now felt like “coming full circle.”
“In 1991, I was a student here navigating a period of change. Returning now, I have seen India transform into a vibrant country of 1.4 billion,” she said.
During her first official visit to India, Amarasuriya also met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s path of recovery after the crisis, she said the country has emerged with “a clear mandate for a forward-looking Sri Lanka.”
“We have restructured our debt and we are digitising the public structure,” she noted, emphasizing resilience amid economic and political challenges.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister outlined key areas for India-Sri Lanka collaboration — including trade, regional connectivity, renewable energy, and Indian Ocean security.
“It is very important that India-Sri Lanka relations, especially in trade and investment, must not be seen as a zero-sum game,” she said.
Highlighting economic ties, Amarasuriya noted that India is Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner, leading investor, and top tourism source, while Sri Lankan investments in India — particularly in the apparel sector — employ around 20,000 Indians, mostly women from rural Andhra Pradesh.
She added that Sri Lanka aims to become a maritime hub for the Indian Ocean, offering a cost-effective gateway for global trade, complementing India’s regional growth ambitions.
“As India positions itself as a global manufacturing hub, Sri Lanka can serve as a complementary production base — especially in textiles, electronics, and food processing,” she said.
The Prime Minister also pointed to tourism as a major growth frontier, offering opportunities in hospitality, infrastructure, and new travel experiences.
“Our two nations share more than geography — we share a destiny. Together, we can chart a future of inclusive growth and regional prosperity,” Amarasuriya concluded.
