New Delhi: Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday held productive talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on ways to strengthen the bilateral ties.
The Sri Lankan President, who arrived here earlier in the evening on a three-day state visit in his first overseas visit after being sworn-in president in September, said in posts on X that these engagements reaffirm the commitment to deepening the partnership between the two nations.
In posts on X, the Sri Lankan President posted:
“During my official visit to India, I had the privilege of engaging in productive discussions with Finance Minister @nsitharaman, External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar, and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval.
“Our conversations focused on strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities, fostering regional security, and advancing key sectors such as tourism and energy. These engagements reaffirm the commitment to deepening the partnership between our two nations.”
In another post he said:
“Arrived in New Delhi today (15th) at approximately 5:30 PM, warmly welcomed by Dr. L. Murugan, Hon. State Minister of Information & Broadcasting, and other distinguished officials. Held fruitful discussions tonight with @DrSJaishankar and Shri Ajit Doval on matters of mutual interest.”
EAM Jaishankar posted on X:
“Pleased to call on President @anuradisanayake at the start of his first State Visit to India.
“Sri Lanka is key to both India’s Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook.
“Confident that the talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will lead to greater trust and deeper cooperation.”
Earlier in the evening, Sri Lankan President Dissanayake arrived on a three-day state visit to India. It is President Dissanayake’s first bilateral visit to India since being elected President in September this year.
The MEA spokesperson said on X:
“Warm and special welcome!
President @anuradisanayake of Sri Lanka was warmly received by MoS
@Murugan_MoS as he arrived in New Delhi. This is President Dissanayake’s first bilateral visit to India since he assumed Presidency.
“An opportunity to further deepen India-Sri Lanka ties and add momentum to the people-centric partnership.”
This is the first overseas visit undertaken by President Dissanayake after his assumption of office.
On Monday morning he will be accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, after which he will go to Rajghat for the wreath laying.
He is to hold talks with PM Modi tomorrow noon at Hyderabad House, which will be followed by the Exchange of Agreements and Press Statements by the two leaders.
In the evening, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will call on the Sri Lankan President at Hotel ITC Maurya.
Later in the evening, the Sri Lankan President will meet with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
President Dissanayake will also participate in a business event in Delhi to promote investment and commercial linkages between India and Sri Lanka.
He will visit Bodh Gaya as part of the visit.
UNI
