India will give its fullest support to Sri Lanka’s policies: Indian FM

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj said India was grateful to Sri Lanka for its reconciliation and development policies.

She said India was pleased with the speech recently delivered by President Maithripala Sirisena in Parliament where he stated that he would develop the country while bringing about peace and reconciliation between every community. 

“The Indian Government will give its fullest support to implement those policies mentioned in that statement,” she said.

Swaraj, who called on President Sirisena on 6 February at his official residence, said that the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Government were satisfied with the program of the new Sri Lankan Government.

President Sirisena, who commended the support provided to Sri Lanka by India, thanked the Indian Government for its comprehensive assistance with the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka and economic proposals that were especially important at this critical juncture.

“India has been a friend of Sri Lanka for a long time. That is why I selected India for the first state visit after my election as the President,” said President Sirisena.

Responding to the President, the India Foreign Minister said that India’s policy was to maintain close relations with neighbouring countries. “The Indian Government gives priority to Sri Lanka in this regard,” she said.

The Indian Foreign Minister, who expressed her satisfaction about the decisions made regarding the activities during the last few years defined by the Indo-Lanka bilateral discussions, said it was able to come to a new agreement about the technical cooperation.

President Sirisena requested the assistance of India for the comprehensive program to be launched by the Sri Lankan Government to improve the health and education of the estate worker community. Swaraj then assured that support would be granted for health and technology through the ITECH Agreement.

The President then spoke to the Indian Foreign Minister about the Government’s plans to facilitate reconciliation in the country, amend the Constitution and improve Sri Lanka’s international relations.

Indian Foreign Secretary Dr. S. Jaishankar and High Commissioner Y. K. Sinha were also present at the occasion.