EAM S Jaishankar visits Colombo, extends financial aid
Days after a new government was elected in Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today visited Colombo and extended the fiscal help programme to the new dispensation headed by President Anura Dissanayake.
A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement described the meeting: “The Sri Lankan President said India’s economic support is critical to realising his vision of a prosperous country and meeting the aspirations of the people.” Dissanayake referred to the potential of export of renewable energy to India.
The MEA, without naming China, said: “The Lankan President reiterated that his territory would never be allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests”. India in the past had objected to Chinese spying ships and submarines docking at Colombo.
Jaishankar also met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and held discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He also called on former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and leader of SJB Sajith Premadasa.
Jaishankar offered to modernise the Kankesanthurai port through a grant to the tune of $61.5 million. India conveyed that payments for 7 completed Line of Credit projects to the tune of $20 million could be converted into grant. India also decided to gift 22 diesel locomotives to the Sri Lankan Railways.
At a meeting with the Sri Lankan President, Jaishankar mentioned fuel and LNG supply, solar electrification of religious places, connectivity, digital public infrastructure, health and dairy development.
India also offered training and capacity building requirements of Sri Lanka.
On reconciliation of ethnic issues and reconciliation process, Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the aspirations of all communities, including Tamils, for equality, justice, dignity and peace while maintaining the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
