Sri Lanka & India discuss bilateral relations

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka and India have reaffirmed the two country’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations exploring new avenues of cooperation.

Newly appointed Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay today paid a courtesy call on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat.

President Rajapaksa recalled his cordial telephone conversation with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi last Saturday and thanked the Indian government and its people for the assistance extended to Sri Lanka during COVID-19 crisis.

Baglay also commended President Rajapaksa for his leadership in the successful battle against COVID-19.

The President and the Indian High Commissioner stressed on the need to expedite the implementation of already agreed joint projects for the benefit of both countries.

The two also discussed areas of tertiary education, tourism, information and communication technology, agriculture and agri-based products.

The Indian High Commissioner said India was willing to provide more opportunities for Lankan scholars to study in India in chosen fields.

President Rajapaksa meanwhile pointed out the need to develop people to people relations, in addition to economic and trade cooperation.

Both President Rajapaksa and the Indian envoy agreed in order to overcome challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic mutually beneficial cooperation between countries of the region should be consolidated.