He conveyed the greetings of the leadership of India to the Hon. President and the people of Sri Lanka. The High Commissioner expressed his gratitude to the Hon. Presidentfor accepting the credentials in an innovative manner via video conference.
Hon. President fondly recalled his first State Visit to India in November 2019, the first overseas visit by him after assuming the office. He thanked the Government of India for assisting Sri Lanka in dealing with the COVID19 pandemic and stated that he looks forward to further strengthening all-round bilateral cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner noted that the recent high level interaction between the two countries had given a further impetus to the traditionally close and excellent relationship. Recalling Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s solidarity visit to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the dastardly Easter Sunday attack, High Commissioner noted the commitment of India at the highest level, as Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbour,to deepening its partnership with Sri Lanka for peace, prosperity and security of the two peoples.
Building on the areas identified as mutual priorities in the telecon between Hon. President and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 23 May 2020, it was agreed to accelerate India’s participation in Sri Lanka’s post COVID economic recovery, including through development partnership projects in Sri Lanka and cooperation in trade, commerce and new areas with particular reference to Sri Lanka’s requirements.Pointing out the contribution of Indian investments in Sri Lanka’s economy, High Commissioner noted that Indian companies are ready to invest in the priority sectors identified by Government of Sri Lanka.
Hon. President and the High Commissioner also discussed ways to further expand and strengthen the ongoing close cooperation in the fields of defence and security including exchange of experience,expertise and information;and joint efforts to tackle common threats such as terrorism.
Hon. President and the High Commissioner further noted that the shared heritage of Buddhism and the civilizational links between India and Sri Lanka provide a robust platform for bringing the two peoples even closer. The High Commissioner also thanked the Hon. President for Government of Sri Lanka’s assistance in repatriation of stranded Indian nationals from Sri Lanka to India.
