AMN
India today affirmed continued support to Sri Lanka for realizing its vision for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Island nation. During the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, India also reiterated its commitment to promote prosperity in the neighbourhood.
Both sides also reviewed the progress in implementation of the decisions taken during various high level exchanges in the past two years. During the meeting in New Delhi, both sides expressed their satisfaction at the progress in implementation of the outcomes of the exchanges.
The two leaders also discussed a range of bilateral issues and matters of mutual interest. The Prime Minister hosted a lunch in honour of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister. Mr Modi and Mr Wickremasinghe welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Economic Projects, which outlines the agenda for bilateral economic cooperation in the foreseeable future.
They also expressed the hope for early conclusion of the ongoing negotiations on the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement. India and Sri Lanka expressed their commitment to ensure that the mutually beneficial agenda is expeditiously implemented.
The Indian leadership expressed hope that recommendations on the reconciliation will be completed within the stipulated time frame of two years as Sri Lanka had co-sponsored the Resolution “Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in Sri Lanka” at the United Nations Human Rights Council last month.
The Indian interlocutors requested continued cooperation of the Sri Lankan Government for humanitarian treatment of Indian fishermen, without resorting to force under any circumstances.
Both sides welcomed the meeting of the Joint Working Group on Fisheries held in Colombo earlier this month. The Indian side also informed the Sri Lankan side of the measures taken by India to encourage the Indian fishermen concerned for adopting deep sea fishing. Mr Wickremasinghe reiterated the invitation to Mr Modi for a visit to Sri Lanka on the coming Vesak Day.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Road, Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari called on the visiting dignitary.