NPP News

(-Colombo, December 17, 2024-)

Your Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India,

Your Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India,

Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Namaste, Good evening,

I am deeply touched, Madam President, by your gracious sentiments.

Permit me to express my sincere appreciation to you, the Government, and the people of India for the gracious hospitality accorded to my delegation and me in your country. I bring with me warm greetings from the people of Sri Lanka to our Indian friends.

Excellency,

The bonds between Sri Lanka and India transcend diplomacy and geographical proximity. Our relationship is civilisationally linked and defined by mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared destiny. From the shores of the Indian Ocean to the heart of the Subcontinent, we are bound by a common heritage of tradition, values, and even a vision for the future, inherent in our countries’ robust relations. Therefore, undertaking my first-ever State Visit to India is only natural.

My administration remains committed to further strengthening this age-old relationship. India has been a trusted friend, steadfast partner, and our closest neighbour, whose unstinted support has been pivotal in my country’s journey towards economic recovery, growth, and stability. India’s assistance to Sri Lanka in times of need and its unwavering solidarity are deeply cherished.

As Sri Lanka stands on the threshold of a new era, it is important to further strengthen its economic ties, enhance people-to-people connections, and advance regional and global cooperation. The future holds immense potential. The role of our two countries in ensuring peace, stability, security, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region is of paramount importance.

The strength of our partnership lies in collective action. It is through collaborative efforts that we can address the new and evolving challenges that transcend borders, whether they be in addressing environmental concerns, combating terrorism, or ensuring economic growth that benefits all citizens globally. Sri Lanka remains committed to fostering deeper cooperation with India, as a leader of the global South, to harness the opportunities of the 21st century for future generations to thrive in an interconnected and interdependent world.

Excellency,

Let this evening be a celebration of the enduring friendship between our two nations—a bond that has withstood the test of time and continues to flourish, bringing us closer together in the pursuit of peace and progress.

To the Government and people of India, I extend my deepest appreciation for the unwavering support and friendship. May our cooperation continue to grow stronger, and our shared journey brings prosperity to our nations and the entire region.

Thank you.

(-Colombo, December 17, 2024-)

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is currently on an official visit to India, arrived in Bodh Gaya this morning (17). He paid homage at the Mahabodhi Temple and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the site where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment, and received blessings.

Bodh Gaya is one of the four main sacred sites associated with the life of Gautama Buddha, holding immense significance for Buddhists. In 2002, the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The General Secretary of Maha Bodhi Society of India, Venerable Pelwatte Seewalee Thero, and the Head of the Sarnath Center, Venerable Rathmalwala Sumiththananda Nayake Thero, extended blessings to the President during the occasion.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, along with the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando also participated in the event.

(-Colombo, December 17, 2024-)

Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, a National People’s Power MP elected to Parliament from the Polonnaruwa District, has been unanimously appointed as the new Speaker.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya proposed that MP Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne be the suitable candidate for the new Speaker, and the Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake seconded the proposal. Although it was previously stated that a member of the opposition had also proposed the post of the new Speaker, no other proposals were made when appointing a new Speaker.

Accordingly, Polonnaruwa District MP Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has unanimously appointed the new Speaker.

(-Colombo, December 16, 2024-)

A meeting between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian President Droupadi Murmu took place today (16) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on strengthening the long-standing Indo-Lanka friendship, as well as regional security.

Following a cordial discussion, Indian President Droupadi Murmu hosted a dinner reception in honour of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The event was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, as well as Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

(-Colombo, December 16, 2024-)

Indian Entrepreneurs Express Interest in Expanding Investment Opportunities in Sri Lanka

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on a three-day official visit to India, participated in a discussion with leading Indian business representatives today (16) in New Delhi.

This discussion, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), brought together some of India’s most prominent entrepreneurs. President Dissanayake highlighted the investor-friendly environment in Sri Lanka and invited Indian entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in the country.

The discussion, aimed at strengthening investment and trade relations between the two nations, focused on key areas such as the digital economy, tourism, renewable energy, and information technology.

The conversation also emphasized expanding investment opportunities in Sri Lanka by leveraging trade between the two countries.

During the meeting, Indian business leaders expressed their willingness to invest in Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan government pledged to provide necessary investment facilitation.

Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando also shared his insights during the discussion.

(-Colombo, December 16, 2024-)

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a meeting with Indian Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar this afternoon (16).

During the discussion, Vice President Dhankhar extended his congratulations to President Dissanayake on his significant victory in Sri Lanka’s recent Presidential and General Elections.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties, with key discussions centred on economic cooperation, advancements in agriculture, and digitalization.

Later, President Dissanayake met with the Indian Health Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Jagat Prakash Nadda.