Colombo/New Delhi, Oct 4 (UNI) Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is in Colombo on a day-long official visit, held wide-ranging talks with new Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath during which the two sides reviewed dimensions of the bilateral partnership.
In a post on X, the EAM said that he assured the Sri Lankan side of India’s continued support to Sri Lanka’s economic rebuilding.
“Concluded wide ranging and detailed talks with FM Vijitha Herath today in Colombo. Congratulated him once again on his new responsibilities.
“Reviewed various dimensions of India-Sri Lanka partnership. Assured him of India’s continued support to Sri Lanka’s economic rebuilding.
“Our Neighbourhood First Policy and Sagar outlook will always guide the advancement of India-Sri Lanka ties.”
Earlier, on his arrival EAM Jaishankar was welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and India’s High Commissioner to Colombo Santosh Jha.
EAM is scheduled to call on the new Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
EAM in a post on X said:
“Good to be in Colombo again. Look forward to my engagements with the Sri Lankan leadership today.”
EAM’s arrival in Sri Lanka comes amid news that President Dissanayake is likely to undertake his first official overseas visit to New Delhi, after he accepts an invitation by visiting Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Jaishankar is the first high ranking foreign dignitary to visit Dissanayake after he won the Presidential Election on September 21.
The Indian High Commission in a statement said that in keeping with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR outlook, Jaishankar’s visit underlines the shared commitment of the two countries to further deepen the longstanding partnership for mutual benefit.
Daily Mirror quoted sources as saying that during the visit, Jaishankar is also expected to discuss the Indian funded projects in Sri Lanka and its path forward. The visiting Minister will then extend an invitation to President Dissanayake to visit New Delhi for discussions, as has been the norm with previous Sri Lankan leaderships.
It is learnt that Dissanayake will uphold this norm by the previous presidents by visiting New Delhi first.
Although the dates are yet to be finalized, the President’s first overseas visit will be after the conclusion of the November 14 Parliamentary Election.
EAM Jaishankar met Dissanayake in February this year when the current Sri Lankan president went on an official visit to India when he was in the opposition.
Last month, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Sri Lanka before the elections and met key presidential candidates including Dissanayake.
India has been pushing for renewable energy, power, and port projects in Sri Lanka in the last few years. Some of its projects have been in limbo due to a long approval process and legal challenge in court, a report said.
