President and India’s External Affairs Minister hold key talks in Delhi
June 11, Colombo (LNW): During his visit to New Delhi, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions yesterday (10) with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Jaishankar addressed the swift resumption of development projects in Sri Lanka, which had been paused midway due to Indian investments.
He expressed his intention to visit Sri Lanka soon to oversee the progress of these activities.
Moreover, Minister Jaishankar assured that he would visit Sri Lanka imminently to coordinate the Prime Minister’s visit and expedite the commencement of development projects funded by Indian investments.
Discussions also encompassed India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, with Jaishankar promising plans for an industrial zone in Trincomalee, facilitated by the Indian government, to attract Indian and potentially other foreign investors.
President Wickremesinghe disclosed that the new Economic Transformation Act would decentralise powers in agriculture, health, education, and economic management to the Provincial Councils.
Additionally, Wickremesinghe announced the forthcoming submission of the Truth and Reconciliation Bill to Parliament by next July.
The meeting also addressed the agricultural modernisation programme in Sri Lanka and ongoing issues among fishermen from both nations, aiming for a swift resolution.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe revealed plans to designate estate line rooms as estate villages through a gazette notification, facilitating their development under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Warm congratulations were extended to Minister S. Jaishankar on his reappointment.
The President also reiterated his invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka in the near future.
Amongst those present were President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Foreign Ministry Secretary Ms Aruni Wijewardene, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Ms Kshenuka Senewiratne, and President’s Private Secretary Ms Sandra Perera.
