India has abiding interest in Lanka's security: Envoy

Sri Lanka is a key part of India's "neighbourhood first" policy as New Delhi has an abiding interest in the country's security, the Indian envoy here said on Tuesday.

Indian High Commissioner Y K Sinha, addressing a gathering here on the occasion of India's 67th Republic Day, said an important element in strengthening bilateral ties will be deepening economic and commercial relations.

Sri Lanka continues to be a key part of India's "neighbourhood first" policy, Sinha said, adding that, India has an abiding interest in the security of Sri Lanka and remains committed to its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The High Commissioner highlighted that the last year has been quite transformative for Indo-Lanka relations.

He noted that four high-level bilateral visits within 90 days of the formation of a new government in Sri Lanka last year "heralded a new chapter in our relations".The momentum of these relations will be maintained by the expected visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for the Joint Commission Meeting, he said.

India's total development assistance commitment to Sri Lanka is now about $2.6 billion, covering all areas of contemporary relevance.

Sinha stated that the India's flagship housing project in Sri Lanka, which aims to construct 50,000 houses, is proceeding well with around 44,000 houses constructed till date.

The third phase, to construct 4,000 houses in the Central and Uva Provinces will be launched very shortly. Sinha pointed out that President President Pranab Mukherjee had highlighted that despite facing many challenges in 2015, India is poised to become the fastest growing large economy with a growth rate of 7.3 per cent.

The High Commissioner noted that there had been an increase in air connectivity between the two countries and the tourist arrivals from India in Sri Lanka was growing.

He also recalled that in pursuance of the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka, the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) scheme has been extended to Sri Lankan nationals from April 14, 2015, and the fee for Sri Lankan nationals was subsequently reduced.(PTI)