EAM Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Dissanayake explore methods to enhance bilateral relations.
Colombo, October 4: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo on Friday. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations for the benefit of both Indian and Sri Lankan citizens.
During their meeting, Jaishankar conveyed warm regards from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu to Dissanayake.
In a post on X, Jaishankar shared, "I was honored to call on President @anuradisanayake today in Colombo. I conveyed warm greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and PM @narendramodi. I appreciate his kind sentiments and guidance for India-Sri Lanka relations. We discussed ways to deepen ongoing cooperation and enhance ties for the benefit of our peoples and the region."
Jaishankar arrived in Sri Lanka earlier that morning, marking his first visit to the country since Dissanayake took office. After arriving in Colombo, he held a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, where they discussed various matters of mutual interest.
During their talks, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's support for Sri Lanka's economic recovery and underscored the significance of their bilateral partnership.
"I concluded wide-ranging and detailed discussions with FM Vijitha Herath today in Colombo. I congratulated him once again on his new role. We reviewed various aspects of the India-Sri Lanka partnership and assured him of India's continued support for Sri Lanka's economic rebuilding. Our Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR outlook will always guide the advancement of India-Sri Lanka ties," Jaishankar noted on X.
Following their meeting, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released photos of the discussions. In a post on X, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath welcomed Jaishankar, highlighting the range of mutual interests discussed during their meeting.
Herath, who took office on September 24, also holds responsibilities for Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security, and Mass Media.
Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the leftist Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna party, was declared the election winner on September 22, as per the Election Commission of Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Dissanayake on his electoral success, emphasizing that Sri Lanka holds a special place in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), which aims to promote cooperative measures for the sustainable use of oceans and establish a secure maritime environment in the region.