Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Monday, 16 December 2024 04:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday began his three-day official visit to India, focusing on leveraging the giant neighbour’s vast market for the country’s economic revival.
On his arrival at New Delhi, he was warmly welcomed by India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister of State Dr. S. Murugan, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Indian Ocean Region Additional Secretary Puneet Agrawal, Chief of Protocol Anshuman Gaur, and other diplomatic officials.
The Indian media gave significant coverage to the President’s arrival. Around major roundabouts in New Delhi, billboards featuring the images of both President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were prominently displayed.
Later on, the President met with Indian Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval.
A statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD) said extensive discussions were held between President Dissanayake and Minister Sitharaman on enhancing Indo-Sri Lankan economic cooperation and expanding investment opportunities between the two countries. The talks also covered bringing more Indian tourists to Sri Lanka, modernising Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, and developing digital infrastructure.
President Dissanayake’s meeting with Dr. Jaishankar was marked by a cordial atmosphere, where attention was focused on exploring the potential for utilising India’s vast market to aid Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Dr. Jaishankar affirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in the tourism, investment, and energy sectors.
The discussions also addressed areas of mutual interest, such as advancing the fisheries industry and fostering national unity in Sri Lanka.
Later, President Dissanayake met with National Security Adviser Doval to discuss regional security matters.
Sri Lankan officials accompanying the President included Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath and Economic Development and Labour Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando.
