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Maithri, Ranil vie for Modi’s ‘ear’ during whistle stop
Premier Modi with President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s brief visit to Sri Lanka last week, after his re-election, symbolises Modi’s commitment to the ‘Neighbourhood first’ concept.
The Indian PM’s visit was seen as a move to show solidarity with Sri Lanka, following the Easter Sunday Bombings, and to focus on Counter Terrorism efforts.
Welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe, both Premier’s wasted no time in discussing the main item on the agenda – Counter Terrorism.
According to the PM’s office sources, bilateral intelligence sharing, a possible tripartite intelligence sharing mechanism between India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, had been discussed.
Mr Wickremesinghe had also discussed possible Indian support to develop Sri Lanka’s Law Enforcement capabilities and assistance to better equip them to face terrorist related threats.
PM Wickremesinghe had also discussed possible Indian support to modernise and equip Palaly and Batticaloa Airports, so that, they could function as regional airports.
President Maithripala Sirisena held discussions with PM Modi at President’s House in Colombo and hosted him to a luncheon in his honour.
President Sirisena welcomed the Indian PM and took it upon himself to hold an umbrella, shielding both of them from the rain. The Indian PM was accorded a Guard of Honour and a 19-Gun Salute at the Galle Face Green.
Both leaders having condemned terrorism in all its forms, agreed to step up cooperation in counter terrorism and intelligence sharing to ensure regional security, peace and stability.
“President Sirisena expressed his gratitude to the Indian PM for visiting Sri Lanka at a time when the country is reeling under the terrible terrorist attacks, thus giving a positive signal to the world about Sri Lanka’s secure environment. He added that the visit also reflects the strength and trust that exists between the two neighbours,” said the President’s Secretariat in a press release.
Opposition leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa and members of the Tamil Nation Alliance (TNA) led by R. Sampanthan also met PM Modi briefly, at the Indian High Commissioner’s residence in Colombo. According to sources, the Opposition Leader focused on the need for close cooperation between the two countries in countering terrorism and enhancing security and development during his discussion with PM Modi.
The Indian PM has extended an invitation to the TNA MP’s to visit India soon, directing the Indian High Commissioner to make the necessary arrangements. Mr Sampanthan had reiterated that India should continue with its efforts to find a lasting solution to the ethnic issue in the Island. The TNA delegation had also highlighted concerns about the Sri Lankan Government’s slow implementation of the UNHCR Resolution while pointing out shortcomings in the reconciliation process.