Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera concludes two day visit to India

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera who was in New Delhi for a two day visit on the invitation of the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj concluded his visit successfully today. This is the first foreign visit undertaken by Minister Samaraweera after assumption of office on 12th January, and reflects the priority attached by Sri Lanka towards enhanced relations with India. During this visit Minister Samaraweera held bilateral talks with the Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on Sunday (18/01) and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Meeting between the two Ministers on Sunday was extremely cordial and fruitful. Discussions covered all aspects of bilateral relations between the two counties, Ministers agreeing to commence a consultative process to reengage on the issue of repatriation of Sri Lankan refugees in Tamilnadu. The two Ministers discussed about the proposed visit to India by the President of Sri Lanka. Minister Samaraweera also extended an invitation to Minister Swaraj to visit Sri Lanka as early as possible which the Minister Swaraj accepted. The two sides agreed to hold the 9th Meeting of India – Sri Lanka Joint Commission in Colombo during this visit. During Minister Samaraweera‘s courtesy call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Minister Samaraweera extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi from the President Maithripala Sirisena, to visit Sri Lanka at an early date, which the Prime Minister accepted. This would be the first State Visit by an Indian Prime Minister after the State Visit by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1987. The Minister said that Sri Lanka is looking forward to enhancement of economic cooperation with India, which is heading towards great economic progress under Prime Minister Modi. Minister Samaraweera also met the National Security Advisor of India and paid courtesy calls on the Leader of the Indian National Congress Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Minister was accompanied by High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in India Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne.