Indo-Asian News Service, New Delhi, Jan 19: Sri Lanka’s new President Maithripala Sirisena “will advance peace, reconciliation and development” in the island nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday.
Describing Sri Lanka as “a truly close neighbour and friend”, Modi also offered India’s continued support to and partnership with Colombo and Sri Lankan people in “realising their aspirations”.
The prime minister made the observations when Sri Lankan external affairs minister Mangala Samaraweera called on him, an official statement said.
Samaraweera is on his first foreign trip after Sirisena took power January 9.
Modi admired Sirisena’s vision of a “truly Sri Lankan government”, inclusive of all voices, and the initial steps taken by the new government for political reconciliation and inclusiveness.
Modi also congratulated Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wikramasinghe for their impressive victory in the presidential election which, according to him, was “a vote for unity and change in Sri Lanka”.
Thanking Sirisena for accepting his invitation to visit India, Modi said he “looked forward to receiving him at an early date”.
Modi also accepted an invite to Sri Lanka at a convenient date.
Samaraweera, who met his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj Sunday, discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.
Indian partnership in development projects in Sri Lanka and issues related to the alleged trespassing of Indian fishermen into Sri Lankan waters were also discussed Sunday.
