The Government of India, as a close friend of Sri Lanka, will extend its fullest support to the island nation in overcoming the current difficult situation, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (June 23).
The Indian Foreign Secretary made these remarks during a meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo on Thursday 23 morning.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday met his Sri Lankan counterpart Prof. G.L. Peiris in Rwanda and discussed India’s crucial support for the crisis-hit nation.The meeting took place on the sidelines of the CHOGM Summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
Jaishankar’s meeting with Peiris took place hours after a four-member delegation led by Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra met Sri Lanka’s top leadership, including President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in Colombo and assured them that India stands ready to help the country’s quick economic recovery through promoting investments, connectivity and strengthening economic linkage.
“A neighbours’ meeting with Prof. G.L. Peiris, FM of Sri Lanka on the margins of the Commonwealth Summit. Talked about Commonwealth issues as well as India’s support for Sri Lanka at this time,” Jaishankar tweeted.
The Indian delegation arrived on the island to consider further financial assistance to Sri Lanka.It has already received essential food items, fuel, medicine and fertilizer under the Indian credit line facility.
The Indian delegation noted that the Government of India and the political authorities are committed to providing continued support to Sri Lanka.
On behalf of the government and the people of Sri Lanka, the President conveyed his gratitude to the Government of India for its significant role in assisting Sri Lanka in difficult times.
Both sides discussed the future course of action of the Indian aid programme to stabilize and revive the Sri Lankan economy, at length.
The delegation also expressed confidence that the country would recover soon after overcoming this difficult period.
Indian Economic Relations Secretary Ajay Seth, Chief Economic Adviser Dr. V Anantha Nageswaran, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, Deputy High Commissioner Vinod K Jacob, Joint Secretary (IOR) Kartik Pande and Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath also participated in this discussion
