PM Modi, Sri Lankan President sign 7 MoUs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo today, aimed at bolstering the strategic and developmental partnership between the two neighbours.
Several agreements in various sectors, including defence and energy, have been signed in the presence of the two leaders.
Addressing the joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that President Dissanayake had chosen India for his first foreign visit, calling it a reflection of the deep and special ties between the two nations. He said Sri Lanka holds a significant place in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Mission Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). The leaders also discussed the long-standing fishermen issue and agreed to adopt a humanitarian approach. Mr Modi stressed the need for the quick release of detained fishermen and the return of their boats. They also touched upon the importance of reconciliation.
Modi said that, in the past six months, India has converted over 100 million US dollars in loans into grants for Sri Lanka. He announced that India has also decided to lower interest rates as part of a bilateral debt restructuring agreement, which will provide immediate relief to the people of Sri Lanka. He added that India will provide approximately 2.4 billion Sri Lankan rupees for the development of the Eastern Province.
Expressing optimism, Modi said he is happy to see Sri Lanka back on the path of progress and proud that India has consistently stood by Sri Lanka like a true neighbour, whether during the 2019 terrorist attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, or the recent financial crisis.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake praised Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”, calling it timely and relevant. He acknowledged India’s consistent friendship and support and noted that Buddhism remains the most precious gift Sri Lanka has received from India.