India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held bilateral discussions with the visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on a range of issues including ways to boost trade and a permanent solution for the nagging fishermen issue.
Hosting a working dinner for the Sri Lankan President, who is on a two-day visit to India, at the Hyderabad House yesterday, the Indian Premier discussed all major bilateral issues, particularly problems being faced by Indian fishermen, the status of various economic projects being implemented by India in the island nation and efforts to further increase trade and investment.
The Press Trust of India reported that during the meeting Modi had stressed on the need to develop a mechanism and find a permanent solution to the issue of fishermen straying into each country’s waters.
Modi also appreciated President Sirisena’s efforts to promote reconciliation in Sri Lanka so that all sections of the Lankan society can live with equality and dignity.
President Sirisena had expressed his appreciation to Modi for the assistance provided by India to Sri Lanka, particularly for various developmental projects.
In this context, both leaders appreciated the meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission led by the two respective foreign ministers, which had met after a gap of three years.
President Sirisena will also visit the famous Sanchi Stupa in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh today, where he is scheduled to declare open a statue of Anagarika Dharmapala.
He will then go to Bengaluru from where he will depart for Colombo in the evening.
