Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President H.E. Anura Kumara Disanayaka held a joint press conference today, underscoring the robust and evolving partnership between the two nations. President Disanayaka, on his first official foreign visit as President, highlighted the shared vision for bilateral growth and development, emphasizing connectivity, economic cooperation, and regional security.
Key Announcements from the Joint Statement:
1. Economic and Energy Collaboration
- Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to investment-led growth, identifying physical, digital, and energy connectivity as central pillars of their economic partnership.
- Key initiatives include:
- Establishing electricity-grid connectivity and multi-product petroleum pipelines between India and Sri Lanka.
- Accelerating the Sampur Solar Power Project and ensuring LNG supply for Sri Lanka’s power plants.
- Expediting the Early Comprehensive Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) to enhance bilateral trade.
2. Developmental Support
- India has committed over USD 5 billion in grants and Lines of Credit to Sri Lanka, spanning all 25 districts.
- New projects announced:
- Upgrading the railway signalling system from Maho to Anuradhapura.
- Developing Kankesanthurai Port.
- Educational cooperation:
- Monthly scholarships for 200 students in Jaffna and the Eastern region of Sri Lanka.
- Training for 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants in India over the next five years.
- India will also assist in Sri Lanka’s Unique Digital Identity project and support sectors such as agriculture, dairy, and fisheries.
3. Security Cooperation
- The leaders agreed to finalize the Security Cooperation Agreement swiftly and enhance collaboration in hydrography.
- Under the Colombo Security Conclave framework, joint efforts will focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, and disaster relief.
4. Strengthening Cultural and People-to-People Ties
- Expanding connectivity:
- A new ferry service will be launched between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar.
- Continued promotion of the Nagapattinam-Kankesanthurai Ferry service and Chennai-Jaffna flight connectivity.
- Focus on tourism through the Buddhist Circuit and Sri Lanka’s Ramayana Trail.
5. Addressing Livelihood and Reconciliation Issues
- A humanitarian approach to resolving fishermen-related issues was agreed upon.
- PM Modi emphasized the importance of fulfilling Tamil aspirations and conducting Provincial Council Elections in Sri Lanka as part of inclusive reconciliation efforts.
A Trusted Partner for Nation Building
Prime Minister Modi assured President Disanayaka of India’s steadfast support in Sri Lanka’s nation-building efforts, emphasizing the deep cultural, economic, and security ties that bind the two countries. President Disanayaka’s visit to Bodh Gaya is anticipated to strengthen spiritual connections, marking another milestone in India-Sri Lanka relations.
This visit signals a renewed era of cooperation and mutual growth, reinforcing India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and shared vision for regional prosperity.
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