Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressed a joint press conference in New Delhi on Monday during the latter’s first foreign State visit since assuming office.
The leaders talked about a vision for strengthening ties between the two countries and focusing on investment-led growth and connectivity, reported Times of India. Elaborating on the economic ties between the two nations, PM Modi said, “In our economic cooperation, we have laid emphasis on investment-led growth and connectivity. We have decided that physical, digital, and energy connectivity will be important pillars of our partnership. Work will be done for establishing electricity grid connectivity and a multi-product petroleum pipeline.”
Further, the Prime Minister said that India will also supply LNG to Sri Lankan power plants and provide more pace to the Sampur Solar Power Plant. To enhance bilateral trade, he said that both nations will try to finish the Ekta agreement soon.
The visit also included the exchange of several MoUs, marking progress in housing, renewable energy, digital identity, and agriculture initiatives. Both leaders talked about the importance of the vist in helping develop deeper ties and mutual development.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan President expressed his gratitude for the hospitality and said, “This visit has paved the way for further cooperation between our countries.”
Announcing plans to help Sri Lanks with electricity grid connectivity, Modi announced a multi-product petroleum pipeline, in addition to a current $5 billion line of credit and grant assistance.
“Grant assistance will be given for rehabilitating the Maho-Anuradhapura railway section and Kankesanthurai Port. From next year, 200 students from the Jaffna and Eastern provinces will receive monthly scholarships, and 1,500 civil servants will be trained in India over the next five years,” he added.
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