Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude to India for its critical financial and developmental support during Sri Lanka’s unprecedented economic crisis. Speaking during his first bilateral visit to New Delhi after assuming office, Dissanayake highlighted India’s significant role in stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy and aiding its debt restructuring efforts.
India’s Unwavering Support Amid Sri Lanka’s Economic Turmoil
Sri Lankan President Dissanayake, in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, acknowledged India’s $5 billion assistance package, which included lines of credit and grants. He stated, “We faced an unprecedented economic crisis two years ago, and India supported us immensely to come out of that quagmire. India continues to play a crucial role in our recovery and development.”
The crisis, which began in 2022, led to severe shortages of essential goods in Sri Lanka, bringing its economy to a standstill. India’s prompt assistance, including fuel and food supplies, helped stabilize the situation.
Bilateral Projects and Future Commitments
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s development, emphasizing that all bilateral projects align with Colombo’s priorities. He announced several new initiatives, including:
- Infrastructure Development: Rehabilitation of the Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system and Kankesanthurai Port.
- Education Support: Monthly scholarships for 200 students in Jaffna and the Eastern Province universities.
- Skill Development: Training 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants over the next five years.
- Sectoral Cooperation: Support for housing, renewable energy, agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and the unique digital identity project in Sri Lanka.
PM Modi also assured the finalization of a comprehensive defence cooperation agreement, emphasizing regional peace and security under the Colombo Security Conclave framework.
Sri Lanka’s Assurances to India
President Dissanayake assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used against India’s interests, addressing long-standing security concerns. “PM Modi assured us of India’s unwavering support and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Sri Lanka’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said.
This reassurance holds significance amid geopolitical challenges in the Indian Ocean, with growing concerns about external influences in the region.
Strengthened Regional Cooperation
The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in areas such as:
- Maritime Security: Joint efforts to counter smuggling, organized crime, and piracy.
- Cybersecurity: Strengthening digital defenses in both countries.
- Disaster Relief: Collaboration on humanitarian assistance and disaster management.
PM Modi underscored the importance of the Colombo Security Conclave, an initiative that promotes collective security and development in the region.
India-Sri Lanka Relations: A Renewed Partnership
This visit by President Dissanayake, following his electoral victories in Sri Lanka’s presidential and parliamentary polls, underscores the importance of India-Sri Lanka relations. India’s consistent support, even during challenging times, has reaffirmed its position as a reliable partner in Sri Lanka’s growth and stability.
As both nations chart a path forward, the partnership promises to deepen across economic, security, and developmental fronts, reinforcing ties between the two South Asian neighbors.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
