India is standing more strongly than ever with Sri Lanka in its efforts to rebuild the country - Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar
Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar stated that India is committed to providing further assistance in light of Sri Lanka's demanding need to determine priorities and reconstruct. Accordingly, India will extend a relief package amounting to US $ 450 million to Sri Lanka. Out of this total, US $ 100 million will be in the form of Indian grant, while the remainder will be a loan offered at a concessional interest rate.
He further stated that the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is confident that Sri Lanka will recover swiftly under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Emphasizing this confidence, the Indian Minister of External Affairs said that India is standing hand in hand with Sri Lanka more firmly than ever in the country’s rebuilding programme.
These remarks were made during a meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, which took place this morning (23) at the Presidential Secretariat, during the Minister’s official visit to Sri Lanka.
On this occasion, the Indian External Affairs Minister also handed over a special letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
President Dissanayake conveyed his sincere appreciation for the compassionate support extended by the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, as the first to step in to assist the Sri Lankan citizens impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. The President specifically acknowledged India's contributions to rescue missions, humanitarian aid and initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy.
The President also gratefully recalled India’s exceptional support, including the provision of helicopters for rescue operations, medicines, food and other humanitarian aid, as well as assistance for infrastructure rehabilitation such as the reconstruction of damaged roads and the restoration of hospitals, including the Mahiyanganaya Hospital.
Reflecting on India's unwavering assistance to Sri Lanka in times of hardship, President Dissanayake remarked that the gesture of solidarity offered by India during Sri Lanka's post-disaster reconstruction efforts would signify a new era in Indo–Sri Lanka relations.
Dr. Jaishankar stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had instructed him to extend all possible assistance to Sri Lanka for its reconstruction while standing firmly with the country during this challenging period. He also noted that he had undertaken this visit to Sri Lanka as a special representative of the Indian Prime Minister to assess the relevant efforts.
Following the official meeting between the President and the Indian External Affairs Minister, bilateral discussions between the two countries commenced. Special attention was given to further expanding cooperation between the two countries. The Indian External Affairs Minister also emphasized India’s continued support to revive Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Symbolizing the relief package provided by India to Sri Lanka, the opening of the Bailey bridge on the A-35 road in Kilinochchi was conducted virtually by the Foreign Ministers of both nations, alongside President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The discussions between the President and the Indian External Affairs Minister were attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Anil Jayantha Fernando and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Santosh Jha.
Subsequently, the bilateral discussions were attended on behalf of the Government of India by Mr.Puneeth Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India, Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey. Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Aruni Ranaraja and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage.
