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India’s Foreign Minister Jaishankar Strengthens Bilateral Ties During Sri Lanka Visit
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Colombo on October 4, 2024, to bolster India-Sri Lanka relations. During his visit, he met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He also held discussions with former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, reiterating India’s commitment to the region’s stability and development.
Advancing Bilateral Cooperation and Development Assistance
During his meeting with Foreign Minister Herath, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for Sri Lanka under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) outlook. He emphasized India’s ongoing development assistance to Sri Lanka and announced new initiatives, including a $61.5 million grant to modernize the Kankesanthurai port. Jaishankar also conveyed that payments for seven completed Line of Credit projects, amounting to $20 million, could be converted into grants. Furthermore, India will gift 22 diesel locomotives to the Sri Lankan Railways to boost its transportation network.
Economic Initiatives and Infrastructure Projects
In his discussions with President Dissanayake, Jaishankar highlighted ongoing collaborative efforts in energy production and transmission, fuel and LNG supply, solar electrification of religious places, and digital public infrastructure. He underscored that these initiatives would contribute to economic sustainability and provide new revenue streams. The Sri Lankan President acknowledged India’s critical economic support and noted the potential of renewable energy exports to India, which could help reduce production costs and create additional resources for Sri Lanka.
Jaishankar also discussed facilitating Indian investments and job creation in Sri Lanka, as well as expanding the flow of Indian tourists. He assured Prime Minister Amarasuriya that India is prepared to support Sri Lanka’s training and capacity-building requirements.
Support for Debt Restructuring and Economic Stability
Addressing Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, Jaishankar reminded the leadership that India was the first country to offer financing assurances, enabling the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to finalize its Extended Fund Facility. He confirmed India’s continued support in the Official Creditors’ Committee and expressed readiness to expedite the conclusion of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka.
Security, Defence, and Fisheries Concerns
The meetings also emphasized the close alignment of security interests between India and Sri Lanka, with both nations recognizing the need for continuous dialogue to promote trust and transparency. The leaders discussed the release of Indian fishermen detained in Sri Lanka and the reconsideration of fines imposed on them, advocating for a humanitarian approach to resolve the matter. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the release of 50 Indian fishermen.
Ethnic Reconciliation and Provincial Elections
Jaishankar reiterated India’s support for the aspirations of all communities in Sri Lanka, including the Tamil population, for equality, justice, dignity, and peace. He called for the full and effective implementation of the 13th Amendment of the Sri Lankan Constitution and urged for the early holding of Provincial Council elections to support the reconciliation process.
Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
Jaishankar extended an invitation to President Dissanayake on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India at a mutually convenient date. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and promote regional stability and prosperity.
