India appreciates President’s statesman-like approach

Indian Foreign Secretary Dr S Jaishankar said India highly appreciates the statesman-like approach of President Maithripala Sirisena. “Not only Sri Lanka, but we in New Delhi also highly appreciate the speech made by Your Excellency in Parliament last week,” he said when he paid a courtesy call on the President at the Presidential Secretariat today.

Dr Jayashankar conveyed congratulations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the President’s One Year in Office. He said that the President’s approach towards national reconciliation is highly appreciative.

President conveyed his greetings to the Indian Premier and said that he has great regards for Shri Modi, with whom he has a personnel bond as well. “After our close rapport during my visit to New Delhi and Mr Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, we also met at international gatherings such as the UN, CHOGM and Climate Summit in Paris,” President Sirisena said.

He said he was looking forward to meet Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj when she visits Sri Lanka next month to attend the Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Meeting in Colombo.

He thanked India for the assistance provided in areas such as economic development, rehabilitation and resettlement, railways, power and expansion of Palali Airport and Kankasanthurai Port. The President said frequent visits by leaders are helpful not only to strengthen cooperation but also to dispel some media disinformation.