SL, India ‘friendly bilateral relations for centuries’ to grow stronger

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena looks on during a visit to attend the International Convention on the Universal Message of Simhastha, in the Indian town of Ujjain on 14 May - AFP

Ujjain: The friendly bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and India will grow stronger, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who is on a two-day working visit to India on an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said Saturday.

Addressing the valedictory session of Vichar Mahakumbh in Ujjain today the President said the two countries have had extremely intimate bilateral relations for centuries and Indian Prime Minister’s invitation for him to join the ceremonies is a “firm endorsement of goodwill and friendly attitude to each other.”

“Our friendly relations have strengthened by such meeting and sharing ways of some issues of our mutual concerns. I am confident that our relationship will enhance and also blossom in the future,” he added.

The President thanked India for its commitment to socio-economic development of Sri Lanka. “I appreciate the keen interest and commitment India has exhibited in socio-economic development in Sri Lanka. I thank India with great appreciation for such commitments,” he said.

At ceremony held in Sanchi of Madhya Pradesh to unveil the statue of Anagarika Dharmapala, who played a major role in the revival of Buddhism in India, the President praised the efforts made by Indian government to secure and develop Buddhist archaeological sites.

President Sirisena met Indian Prime Minister Modi Friday in New Delhi and held discussions on a range of issues.

During the discussion, the Indian Premier assured to give every support to Sri Lanka to make the reconciliation program successful.

They also discussed establishing of an Allopathic Medicine Investment Zone in Sri Lanka, with the  assistance of the Indian Government. The attention was also paid on enhancing of the economic, commercial and cultural relations between the two countries.

An idea of a common economic zone was also taken into discussion.

“President Sirisena’s visit for the Simhasth Kumbh in Ujjain was very significant as it showed the deep civilizational ties between India and Sri Lanka”, said the Indian Premier.

The two leaders discussed all issues of bilateral interest, in particular the problems being faced by fishermen and the current status of various economic projects being implemented by India and efforts to further increase trade and investment.

In this context, both the leaders appreciated the meetings of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission led by the two foreign ministers, which had met after a gap of three years.

Meanwhile a group of representatives of the Indian Foundation also held discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena.

The Indian Foundation has pointed out that under the leadership of President Sirisena the longstanding relationship between India and Sri Lanka has entered onto a new path while further strengthening it.

President Maithripala Sirisena visited India as his first official tour after assuming the office in January 2015. This is President’s 6th official meeting with the Indian Prime Minister within a short period of 15 months.