AMN / NEW DELHI

India and Sri Lanka have agreed to enhance cooperation to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. The Joint Statement on Virtual Bilateral Summit said both countries have decided to continue the fruitful and efficient development partnership in accordance with the priority areas identified by the Government and people of Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa held a Virtual Summit yesterday in which they discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Mr Rajapaksa commended the strong leadership shown by Prime Minister Modi in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic based on the vision of mutual support and assistance to the countries of the region. Both the leaders agreed that the current situation presented a fresh opportunity to give added impetus to bilateral relations.

Both the leaders expressed happiness that India and Sri Lanka worked very closely in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s continued commitment for all possible support to Sri Lanka for minimising the health and economic impact of the pandemic.

Both leaders agreed to work together to expeditiously complete construction of 10,000 housing units in the plantation areas.

They also agreed to deepen cooperation in renewable energy with particular emphasis on solar projects under the 100 million dollar Line of Credit from India.