Written by Shubhajit Roy Courtesy Indian Express

MEA Jaishankar’s conversation with the leadership also covered facilitating Indian investments and job creation in Sri Lanka, as well as expanding the flow of Indian tourists.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo on Friday. (PTI Photo)

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Friday told External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Colombo that Sri Lankan territory would never (be) allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests”, an oblique reference to China’s presence in the island nation.

Jaishankar, the first foreign minister to visit Sri Lanka since the NPP government led by Dissanayake came to power on September 23, arrived in Colombo Friday and called on the newly-elected President Dissanayake, met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and held discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He also met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of SJB Sajith Premadasa.

Regarding security and defence, the MEA statement said, the meetings brought out that the interests of India and Sri Lanka were closely intertwined. Their collaboration was in mutual interest and contributed to the stability and security of the region. The importance of a continuous dialogue that would promote trust, transparency and mutual sensitivity was recognized. The President reiterated that Sri Lankan territory would never (be) allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests.”

Jaishankar assured that India’s ongoing development assistance to Sri Lanka through projects of Sri Lankan priority will be continued, the statement said. He emphasised that India has offered to modernise the Kankesanthurai port through a grant to the tune of USD 61.5 million. He also conveyed that payments for 7 completed Line of Credit projects to the tune of USD 20 million could be converted into grant. India has also decided to gift 22 diesel locomotives to the Sri Lankan Railways,” it said.

During his meeting with the President, Jaishankar spoke about ongoing initiatives in the field of energy production and transmission, fuel and LNG supply, solar electrification of religious places, connectivity, digital public infrastructure, health and dairy development, it said. He highlighted that they would contribute to economic sustainability and provide new streams of revenue.

Dissanayake said that India’s economic support is critical to realise his vision of a prosperous Sri Lanka and meeting the aspirations of the people, it said. He referred to the potential of export of renewable energy to India which could help reduce production costs in Sri Lanka and create additional resources. He also noted the contribution of Indian tourists and recognised this has the potential to grow further.

Jaishankar’s conversation with the leadership also covered facilitating Indian investments and job creation in Sri Lanka, as well as expanding the flow of Indian tourists. In his meeting with Prime Minister Amarasuriya, he underlined that the Government of India was prepared to respond to the training and capacity building requirements of Sri Lanka.

On Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, the MEA said Jaishankar recalled that India had been supportive of Sri Lanka’s economic stability and recovery from the very start. It was the first country to give financing assurances which enabled the IMF to finalise the Extended Fund Facility. He confirmed India’s support in the Official Creditors’ Committee in respect of Sri Lanka’s agreement with International Sovereign Bond holders. India is also willing to expedite the conclusion of its bilateral MoU with Sri Lanka. The President conveyed his appreciation in that regard,” it said, referring to the USD 4 billion financial and humanitarian support from India.

With regard to the ethnic issue and the reconciliation process, the statement said that Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the aspirations of all communities, including Tamils, for equality, justice, dignity, peace while maintaining the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. The full and effective implementation of the 13th Amendment of its Constitution and the early holding of Provincial Council elections will facilitate these objectives,” it said.

Dissanayake has not supported the implementation of the 13th Amendment, which gives powers to Tamil minorities, a long-standing demand of the Indian government. He has also opposed any investigation into the alleged war crimes during the civil war between LTTE and Sri Lankan forces.

In his discussions with Foreign Minister Herath, according to the MEA, Jaishankar conveyed India’s strong commitment to advance bilateral cooperation based on its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR outlook”.

For Dissanayake, the major challenge would be economic recovery.

The MEA said that Jaishankar also raised concerns pertaining to Indian fishermen who are detained in Sri Lanka and pressed for their early release, as well as of their boats, and reconsideration of the heavy fines imposed on them.