Colombo Ready To Partner In With ‘Viksit Bharat’ Vision, Says Sri Lankan PM | World News

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Saturday called for closer cooperation with India on trade, maritime security and sustainable livelihoods, while acknowledging sensitivities regarding the issue of fishermen of the two countries.

Speaking at a civic reception hosted by the India Foundation here, Harini Amarasuriya said Sri Lanka strongly believes in a free, open and inclusive Indian Ocean region and beyond, where all nations can pursue their legitimate interests in peace and prosperity.

He said that Indian Ocean security is an issue that concerns both our countries.

“No bilateral relationship is without its challenges, and ours is no exception. Issues such as Indian fishermen’s fishing in Sri Lankan waters, resorting to harmful practices such as bottom trawling, deeply concern fishermen in Northern Sri Lanka, who are rebuilding their livelihoods after years of conflict. This is an issue that requires sensitive handling and sustainable solutions. We are very aware of this and are in constant dialogue. Reasonable practices that will satisfy both parties.” “Try to find a solution,” he said.

“What gives me confidence is that both our governments are committed to addressing these issues through dialogue with empathy and respect for the livelihoods of both our people. The sign of a mature relationship is not the absence of differences, but the ability to manage them constructively. I believe that our relationship has reached this maturity and that our two countries can resolve any problems in the spirit of friendship and mutual compromise.”

Dr Amarasuriya said Sri Lanka aims to develop as a maritime hub for the Indian Ocean region and by leveraging Sri Lanka’s deep waters and efficient ports on east-west shipping lanes, India can become a natural, cost-effective hub for export and import trade with the world.

“Our ports can continue to be further developed as gateways to Indian trade. As India’s closest maritime neighbour, Sri Lanka can be a natural complement and partner in India’s achievement of Viksit Bharat. Indian Ocean security is an issue that concerns both our countries and calls for cooperation on maritime security, drug smuggling, piracy, regional maritime cooperation and energy security, especially mutually beneficial renewable energy development.” It forces you to keep doing it. “Common challenges, collective response,” he said.

“The future of our region depends on cooperation, mutual respect and adherence to international law. Sri Lanka firmly believes in a free, open and inclusive Indian Ocean region and beyond, where all nations can pursue their legitimate interests in peace and prosperity.”

Sri Lankan Prime Minister said India is an important partner in his country’s economic recovery and development.

“The India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, signed in 1998 and a first for both countries, created significant opportunities for our economies. We are determined to deepen our economic partnership through negotiations on the economic and technological cooperation agreement, which we hope will resume soon. It will be to our mutual benefit to explore how Sri Lanka can integrate into India’s manufacturing and service sector value chains.” he said.

“As India seeks to position itself as a global manufacturing hub under Viksit Bharat, perhaps Sri Lanka can serve as a complementary manufacturing base, including in industries such as textiles, electronics and food processing,” he added.

Former President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also attended the event.

Dr., who paid a three-day official visit to India. Amarasuriya also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi on Friday. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing important regional issues, including the long-standing fishermen problem.