-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -05.April.2025, 10.50 PM) Let us resolve to build a path of development together—as neighbors and as close friends.
He expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's full commitment and cooperation in Sri Lanka's economic recovery and sustainable economic journey, aligned with India's “Neighborhood First” foreign policy framework.
“I briefed Prime Minister Modi on Sri Lanka's current economic situation, particularly our progress toward economic stability through a successful debt restructuring program. I expressed my gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Indian government during this process,” said President Dissanayake.
This statement was made during the joint press conference held on the occasion of the Indian Prime Minister’s official state visit to Sri Lanka.
Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya,
Hon. Ministers,
Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,
Friends from the media,
Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Namaste, and good morning!
I warmly welcome Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the esteemed delegation as the first state leader to visit Sri Lanka following the establishment of our new government.
Coming from a non-traditional political background, Hon. Narendra Modi was entrusted with the leadership of India by the people through a consensus to transform the political culture and overcome the barriers to progress. Similarly, we came into power through a strong public mandate for reform and transformation. I regard this moment as a historic event that reflects shared aspirations.
This visit symbolizes the close and friendly relationship between India and Sri Lanka—two nations separated by less than 50 kilometers of ocean but connected by much deeper ties of friendship.
India, a land of diversity, has historically made significant contributions to global civilization and spiritual heritage, and continues to play a leading role on the world stage.
We have witnessed India’s remarkable progress and rise—not just as a regional power, but as a global leader. Sri Lanka fully acknowledges this growth and genuinely supports it. Like India, Sri Lanka believes that South Asia’s rise is an attainable goal that we must achieve together.
Sri Lanka and India share more than geographic proximity. Our two nations have sustained over 2,500 years of deep historical, religious, and cultural ties—built on shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations.
We are bound by shared histories and dynamic diversity, closely connected through language, religion, tradition, art, architecture, and culture.
A strong example of India’s unwavering friendship was in 1996, during the Cricket World Cup, when some teams refused to play in Sri Lanka due to security concerns. India participated in a friendly match with Sri Lanka, demonstrating unity. I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation once again for that act of solidarity.
Sri Lanka’s foreign policy is grounded in promoting national aspirations, peace, and ethnic harmony. A short while ago, Prime Minister Modi and I held bilateral discussions with our delegations.
We reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation and exchanged ideas on strengthening our ties in areas of mutual interest.
I recalled my successful visit to New Delhi and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to implementing the initiatives outlined in the joint declaration titled "Promoting Partnership for Shared Future."
I thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India for their unwavering support toward Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, growth, and stability.
Due to Prime Minister Modi’s visionary leadership and transformative policies, India has extended significant assistance to Sri Lanka in the areas of economic reform, infrastructure development, and social empowerment.
We are especially grateful for India’s full commitment and cooperation under its “Neighborhood First” policy, supporting our economic recovery and long-term sustainability.
I briefed Prime Minister Modi on Sri Lanka’s current economic status, which is progressing toward stability through a successful debt restructuring process. I expressed gratitude for India’s continued support in this endeavor.
We had detailed discussions on further developing the strong defense cooperation between our two countries. I also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s firm stance that its territory will not be used for any activities that could threaten India’s national security or regional stability.
I requested Prime Minister Modi’s intervention to expedite the bilateral technical discussions related to Sri Lanka’s submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, beyond our exclusive economic zone.
Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of developing a digital economy to drive growth, innovation, and efficiency. We discussed digital cooperation across various sectors. I thanked the Government of India for the grant of INR 3 billion (LKR 12.5 billion) to implement the Sri Lanka Digital Identity (SLUDI) project.
We also discussed strengthening people-to-people and economic partnerships. I expressed gratitude for India's support in converting the USD 14.9 million loan for signal system installation on the Mahawa-Anuradhapura railway line into a grant, alongside assistance for the Mahawa-Omanthai railway construction.
I’m pleased to announce that Prime Minister Modi and I will jointly inaugurate these two projects tomorrow in Anuradhapura.
We held detailed discussions on energy security, emphasizing reliable, sustainable, and timely use of resources to meet public needs. We also exchanged ideas on development cooperation and agriculture.
Prime Minister Modi and I also discussed trade and investment cooperation, and we requested India’s support in encouraging more Indian investments in key sectors in Sri Lanka.
Tourism cooperation was another focal point of our discussions. Given that India is currently the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka, we emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration to unlock the sector’s full potential.
I also requested Prime Minister Modi’s support in swiftly finalizing a bilateral social security agreement that would benefit Sri Lankan migrant workers in India.
We discussed the need for a collaborative and sustainable solution to the fishing issue. Recognizing the environmental harm caused by bottom-trawling—which is banned in both countries—I requested India’s support in ending such practices and curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Today, we are pleased to witness the signing of several bilateral agreements between Sri Lanka and India in areas such as energy, defense, healthcare, infrastructure, and debt restructuring—marking another step forward in our relationship.
I am especially delighted to join Prime Minister Modi virtually for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sampur Solar Power Project, which will add 120MW to our national grid, the launch of the project to install solar panels in 5,000 religious institutions across Sri Lanka, and the opening of Sri Lanka’s only temperature-controlled agri-storage facility in Dambulla.
These people-centric initiatives highlight our shared commitment to progress and prosperity.
-By A Staff Writer
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