Dissanayake in New Delhi promises cooperation on security
This is the first state visit by Sri Lanka’s new president to India since his inauguration. He offered reassurances regarding Delhi's concerns about the presence of Chinese ships. Modi promised collaboration in the country's recovery efforts, but also expressed hope that the new administration would keep its promises vis-à-vis Tamils.
Colombo (AsiaNews) – Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made his maiden state visit to India after he was elected last September.
During the trip, which ends today, he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, stressing that he wants to ensure a free, open, safe, and secure Indian Ocean region.
In a joint statement, the two leaders recognised the importance of regular talks based on mutual trust and transparency, prioritising each other's security concerns, with a commitment to working together to counter traditional and non-traditional threats.
Since India is Sri Lanka's closest maritime neighbour, President Dissanayake reassured his counterpart that Sri Lanka will not allow the use of its territory in any way against India's security as well as regional stability.
India had raised concerns about Chinese research vessels visiting Sri Lanka for research purposes. The previous government had issued a temporary one-year ban on such activities in Sri Lankan waters.
Dissanayake thanked India for providing a Dornier aircraft for maritime surveillance and the establishment of the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka.
He also expressed appreciation for India's role as Sri Lanka's "first responder" in terms of humanitarian and disaster assistance, as well as intelligence cooperation in the fight against terrorism, drug and narcotics smuggling, and money laundering.
"We also spoke at length about the issues related to the livelihood of our fishermen. We both agreed that we must adopt a humanitarian approach to this matter. We also talked about reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the joint Press Conference with the President of Sri Lanka.
"President Dissanayaka apprised me of his inclusive perspective. We hope that the Sri Lankan government will fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil people. And that they shall fulfil their commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka and conducting the Provincial Council Elections,” he added.
"I have assured President Dissanayaka that India shall stand as a trusted and reliable partner in his efforts towards nation-building.”
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