NPP News

(-Colombo, December 16, 2024-)

His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Honourable Ministers

Excellencies

Ladies and Gentlemen

Friends from the media

Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Namaste, Good Afternoon.

It is indeed a pleasure to be in New Delhi on my first overseas visit after assuming office as the President of Sri Lanka.

I am thankful to Her Excellency President Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu and His Excellency Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the invitation extended to me and the warm welcome and hospitality. The deep-rooted civilizational ties and the strong bilateral cooperation between our two countries have been elevated during this visit.

My visit occurs at an important juncture in the political scenario of both our nations where our peoples have explicitly spoken through the democratically established electoral systems and given us the mandate to steer our countries along the path of sustainable development, social empowerment and prosperity.

The Parliament of Sri Lanka now has the highest number of representatives ever elected under a single mandate. This overwhelming support that the National People’s Power under my leadership received from the people is a watershed moment in the history of Sri Lanka. For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the public mandate expressed during the recently concluded Presidential and Parliamentary Elections, has laid the seeds for a political transformation enabling the formation of a new political culture in our country. People from all the Provinces – North, South, East, and West—representing diverse communities and various walks of life contributed to this mandate.

As a leader entrusted with such an important responsibility by my people, I clearly understand that the essence of democracy lies in the coexistence of diverse political views and groups.

India has always been an integral part of the growth and development of Sri Lanka throughout history, from sharing the precepts of the Dhamma to being a partner in our developmental progress.

My visit to India today demonstrates these close and friendly ties that we have been enjoying since time immemorial.

Just a while ago, Prime Minister Modi and I along with our respective delegations concluded our bilateral deliberations. We carried out a comprehensive review of the present status of our relations and exchanged views on the ways and means to further strengthen our cooperation in areas of mutual interest in the future.

I thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India for the unwavering support extended to Sri Lanka, especially during the unprecedented economic crisis the country underwent in 2022 and for strongly supporting Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process.

Prime Minister Modi assured India’s full commitment for the sustained economic growth of Sri Lanka in keeping with the special place Sri Lanka occupies in India’s foreign policy framework.

Prime Minister Modi and I acknowledged the importance of intensifying political engagements at various levels, including through cooperation between the parliamentary institutions of the two countries.

We also discussed trade and investment cooperation between the two countries and investments in key sectors.

We also exchanged views on cooperation in the fields of defence and security, power and energy, training and capacity building, education, agriculture and social security.

I acknowledged India’s success in digitization in governance, service delivery and social welfare. Prime Minister Modi assured me of India’s support in establishing similar digital public infrastructure systems in Sri Lanka.

The cultural affinities between our two countries provide a solid foundation for our relationship. With a view to furthering these links for enhanced people to people contacts, our discussions focused on the cooperation in the tourism sector.

In the regional and multilateral domain, I appreciated India’s leading role as a voice in the Global South. Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s full support to Sri Lanka’s chairmanship in the IORA. I requested India’s continued support to Sri Lanka’s interest in becoming a member of the BRICS.

I also requested for Prime Minister Modi’s intervention in convening early bilateral technical discussions pertaining to Sri Lanka’s claim to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) for the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond Exclusive Economic Zone.

While welcoming the recent conclusion of the Sixth Joint Working Group on Fisheries, we also discussed on the need for a cooperative approach in addressing the fisheries issue for a sustainable solution. Recognizing the irreparable ecological damage caused by bottom trawling which is a banned practice in both countries, I requested that measures be taken to stop this practice and curb IUU fishing. I am also pleased to have witnessed today the exchange of bilateral instruments concluded during the visit, pertaining to the areas of training and capacity-building and avoidance of double taxation.

I also invited Honourable Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient date.

I assured the Indian leader that Sri Lanka will not permit its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability.

I wish to conclude by reiterating that Sri Lanka attaches great importance to the continuous development and deepening of cooperation with India, which I have no doubt would be further consolidated in the years to come.

Thank You.

(-Colombo, December 16, 2024-)

Invitation extended to Indian Prime Minister to Visit Sri Lanka.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on an official three-day visit to India, held discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (16) at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Hyderabad House.

Following the discussions, Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on the avoidance of double taxation and capacity building for government officials were exchanged in the presence of the leaders of both countries.

During a joint press briefing, President Dissanayake highlighted that he is well aware of the special importance Sri Lanka holds within India’s foreign policy. Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight that President Dissanayake chose India for his first official foreign visit as the President of Sri Lanka.

The discussions also focused on strengthening Sri Lanka’s ties with India by establishing electricity grid connections and a multi-product petroleum pipeline. These initiatives aim to provide technical support to Sri Lanka in the areas of physical, digital, and energy infrastructure, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations with a forward-looking vision.

Further, both leaders had in-depth discussions on advancing Indian development cooperation projects. This includes support for upgrading the signalling system on the Anuradhapura railway line and upgrading the Kankesanthurai port.

Under India’s educational cooperation program, scholarships for 200 students from universities in Jaffna and the Eastern Province are set to be provided monthly starting next year. Prime Minister Modi also agreed to train 1,500 Sri Lankan civil servants in India over the next five years.

Additionally, India will collaborate on improving housing, renewable energy, and infrastructure in Sri Lanka, alongside enhancing the agriculture, dairy, and fisheries sectors. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that Sri Lanka will never allow its territory to be used in a way that threatens the security of India and the stability of the region.

Under the Colombo Security Conclave, the two leaders discussed enhancing collaboration in maritime security, counterterrorism, cyber security, anti-trafficking, combating organized crime, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.

Prime Minister Modi hosted a luncheon in honour of President Dissanayake. During the meeting, President Dissanayake extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Sri Lanka.

(-Colombo, December 16, 2024-)

• Indian President and Prime Minister Extend a Grand Reception to the President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on a three-day official visit to India, was formally welcomed today (16) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India.

The ceremonial reception began with President Dissanayake being escorted to the Rashtrapati Bhavan by a horseback parade. He was warmly greeted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The event included a 21-gun salute, marking the occasion with full state honours. Following the formalities, President Dissanayake inspected a guard of honour presented by the Indian Armed Forces.

Subsequently, representatives from both nations were introduced to the leaders. The event was attended by a large number of state officials and diplomats.

After the reception, President Dissanayake visited the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Rajghat to pay his respects. To commemorate his first official overseas visit, he planted an Ashoka tree at the Gandhi Darshan premises near Rajghat and signed the guest book.

Later in the day, President Dissanayake is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bilateral discussions. Additionally, he will hold a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu tonight.

The President is also set to meet with Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Health Minister J.P. Nadda for further discussions.

Furthermore, discussions with prominent Indian business leaders are planned, focusing on potential investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

(-Colombo, December 15, 2024-)

Focus on Leveraging India’s Vast Market for Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival

During his three-day official visit to India, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with prominent Indian officials at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi today (15). These included Indian Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval.

Extensive discussions were held between President Dissanayake and Minister Sitharaman on enhancing Indo-Sri Lankan economic cooperation and expanding investment opportunities between the two countries.

The talks also covered bringing more Indian tourists to Sri Lanka, modernizing Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, and developing digital infrastructure.

President Dissanayake’s meeting with Dr. Jaishankar was marked by a cordial atmosphere, where attention was focused on exploring the potential for utilizing India’s vast market to aid Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. Dr. Jaishankar affirmed India’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in the tourism, investment, and energy sectors.

The discussions also addressed areas of mutual interest, such as advancing the fisheries industry and fostering national unity in Sri Lanka.

Later, President Dissanayake met with Shri Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, to discuss regional security matters.

Sri Lankan officials accompanying the President included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, and Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Labour, Prof. Anil Jayantha Perera.

(-Colombo, December 15, 2024-)

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in India today (15) at around 5:30 p.m via the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

He was warmly welcomed by India’s Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. S. Murugan, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, Additional Secretary of the Indian Ocean Region Puneet Agrawal, Chief of Protocol Anshuman Gaur, and other diplomatic officials.

The Indian media gave significant coverage to the President’s arrival. Around major roundabouts in New Delhi, billboards featuring the images of both President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were prominently displayed.

Later tonight, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to hold discussions with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor, Shri Ajit Doval.

Accompanying the President on this visit are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, and Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

(-Colombo, December 13, 2024-)

• Aligned with New Government’s Vision, Ready to Extend Support

• Focus on Nutrition Projects, School Meal Programs, Agriculture Modernization, Digitalization, and Livestock Development

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed to expanding its initiatives in Sri Lanka.

As part of this commitment, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has agreed to provide the financial and technical assistance needed to implement nutrition projects, school meal programs for children, agriculture sector modernization project, digitalization efforts, and livestock development programs in Sri Lanka.

This commitment was affirmed during a meeting held today (13) at the Presidential Secretariat. The discussion, chaired by Professor Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, involved officials from the Foundation.

Recognizing the priorities of the new government, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation expressed its readiness to provide support whenever needed.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eng. Eranga Weerarathne, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Regional Representative for Southeast Asia at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Dr. Jamal Khan and Director of Digital Public Infrastructure at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation were also present.