Ravi holds talks with Modi

Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake on his first visit overseas as Minister of Foreign Affairs, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday, Ministry said.

"Prime Minister Modi recalled his productive and memorable visit to Sri Lanka on occasion of the International Vesak Day last month. He congratulated Mr Karunanayake on taking over his new responsibility as Foreign Minister," India's External Affairs ministry said in a statement. 

Premier Modi also conveyed condolences on the loss of lives and destruction caused by the recent floods and landslides in Sri Lanka. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to continue assisting Sri Lanka in this regard.

Minister Karunanayake thanked Prime Minister Modi for quick Indian assistance in the aftermath of the floods and landslides. "He conveyed the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to continue strengthening the close partnership with India," 

Minister Karunanayake will have discussions today with Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and others before returning to Colombo tonight.