Security, reconciliation, investment figure during Indo-Lanka talks

Security, reconciliation in the north and investment were among the highlights of talks between SriLanka’s Prime Minister and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during talks held in New Delhi today.

A part of our discussions centered on co-operation in regard to the security of our two countries.

“India has always assisted Sri Lanka to enhance our capabilities in intelligence and counter-terrorism, and we look forward to continued support in this regard.”,  Prime Minister Rajapaksa told the media at a joint press conference with Premier Modi.

“Prime Minister Modi and I discussed several important issues this morning. Our discussions were premised on the outcome of the discussions that Prime Minister Modi held with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his very successful State Visit to India in November of last year.”

“I want to thank Prime Minister Modi for his Government’s “Neighborhood First” policy and the priority that he attaches to relations with Sri Lanka. We agreed that our cooperation is multi-faceted, with priority given to a number of areas, including security, economic, cultural and social sectors.”, he said.

He said Sri Lanka had to re-think its  national security strategies and “assistance from India in this regard would be much appreciated.”

“ I thanked Prime Minister Modi for visiting Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. That visit provided us with immense strength to come to terms with the tragedy,”, he added.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Modi also raised the issue of reconciliation in the north.

“We also discussed reconciliation and related issues with open mind. I am confident that Sri Lankan government will meet the aspirations of Tamils in United Sri Lanka based on equality, justice, peace and respect. It is necessary that the implementation of thirteenth amendment to constitution is carried out apart from furthering the reconciliation process”, the Indian Prime Minister said.. 

“We also discussed joint economic projects and further cooperation in economic, commercial and investment matters. Measures to strengthen people to people contacts, tourism promotion and improved connectivity also came up for discussion”, Premier Modi said..

“India has been a reliable partner in Sri Lanka’s development. The line of credit announced last year will give further boost to economic development. We are happy that Indian housing project for construction over 48 thousand houses for war-affected people in north and east has been completed. Also, the housing project for Indian origin Tamils in upcountry region is under progress. We also discussed the issue of fishermen. This impacts livelihood of people in both countries and we have decided to have constructive and humanitarian approach on the issue.”, he added.