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Saturday, 14 March 2015 00:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
India yesterday reiterated its stand for the implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and going beyond for a united Sri Lanka for all communities.
Delivering a statement during his visit to Sri Lanka Friday, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his admiration for Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s efforts to build an inclusive future for Sri Lanka and offered “sincere” support for Sri Lanka’s new journey of peace, reconciliation and progress.
“We stand with you in your efforts to build a future that accommodates the aspirations of all sections of society, including the Sri Lankan Tamil community, for a life of equality, justice, peace and dignity in a united Sri Lanka,” Modi said addressing the issue of power devolution.
“We believe that early and full implementation of the 13th Amendment and going beyond it would contribute to this process,” he said.
Recalling that his visit is the first standalone bilateral visit to Sri Lanka by an Indian Prime Minister since 1987 and that President Sirisena made India his first foreign visit as President, Prime Minister Modi said the two neighbours should meet regularly.
“This is how it should be between neighbours. We should meet regularly. It helps us understand each other better; find solutions to mutual concerns; and, move our relationship forward,” he said.
Noting that bilateral trade has seen impressive growth over the past decade although more in India’s favour, Modi said he is aware of Sri Lanka’s concerns about trade with India and promised to address the concerns.
He said the agreement signed today on cooperation between the two customs authorities is a step in that direction and it will simplify trade and reduce non-tariff barriers on both sides.
Also today, the Indian oil company, Lanka IOC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation have agreed to jointly develop the Upper Tank Farm of the China Bay Installation in Trincomalee on mutually agreed terms. A Joint Task Force will be constituted soon to work out the modalities.
“India stands ready to help Trincomalee become a regional petroleum hub,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi said the landmark Sampur Coal Power Project would meet Sri Lanka’s energy needs and he looks forward to early commencement of work on the ground.
The two countries have also decided to set up a Joint Task Force on Ocean Economy and Modi said it’s a significant step as the ocean economy is a new frontier that holds enormous promise for both countries and its priority for the two countries.
The PM said the two countries have taken a number of decisions to encourage people to people contacts, improve connectivity, and increase tourism.
In this regard, India will extend the facility of ‘Tourist Visa on Arrival – Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme’ to Sri Lankan citizens from the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on 14 April and Air India will soon start direct flights between New Delhi and Colombo.
India as a development partner for Sri Lanka will provide a fresh Line of Credit of up to $ 318 million for the railways sector. This will be used to procure rolling stock, and to restore and upgrade existing railway track.
The Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have agreed to enter into a Currency Swap Agreement of $ 1.5 billion to help keep the Sri Lankan rupee stable.
The Prime Minister said the two leaders discussed the fishermen’s issue.
He said the complex issue involves livelihood and humanitarian concerns on both sides and should be handled from that perspective. At the same time, a long term solution to this issue must be found, he added.
Modi noted that it is also important that fishermen’s associations of India and Sri Lanka meet at the earliest to find a mutually acceptable arrangement which can then be taken forward by both Governments.
The Premier conveyed India’s commitment to further strengthening our partnership in advancing peace and prosperity in the region, including the common maritime neighbourhood.
“The meeting today has been very productive. It gives me great confidence and optimism about the future of our relations,” Modi concluded.
