Finance
Ahead of Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s first official visit to India, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra met him in Colombo on Tuesday.
The meeting at the Ministry of Defence focused on strengthening bilateral relations and working toward future economic and social goals that would benefit both countries’ people.
“During the meeting, President Wickremesinghe briefed the Indian Foreign Secretary on the government’s reform programmes aimed at strengthening the country’s economy. He also acknowledged India’s continuous support as a neighbouring ally during the recent economic crisis,” the President Media Division (PMD) stated.
PMD noted that discussions were also made about Wickremesinghe’s scheduled official visit to India and the planned events during the visit.
Kwatra also met with Sagala Ratnayaka, the President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff.
Gopal Bagley, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, attended the meetings.
Wickremesinghe is set to visit India for the first time since taking office in 2022 on July 20. The President is set to conduct bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit.
During Sri Lanka’s biggest economic crisis since its independence in 1948, India provided considerable financial support totaling over $4 billion. Working with Japan and Paris Club, India also took the initiative to help Sri Lanka in its debt treatment programme.
Source:IANS
