India-Sri Lanka to increase cooperation to curb drugs and human trafficking

India and Sri Lanka agreed to increase cooperation in security and defense spheres in several areas, including regional security, curbing drug smuggling and human trafficking and training of members of the security forces.

These issues were discussed when Indian Defense Secretary Sanjay Mitra called on President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s official residence in Colombo today (April 8).

The President thanked the Indian Government for the cooperation extended to Sri Lanka in security issues and for training provided to Sri Lankan security forces personnel. He also requested to increase the number of personnel trained by India. The Indian Defense Secretary agreed to look into the possibility of enhancing training facilities.

President Sirisena stressed the importance of close cooperation between the two countries to ensure regional security. They also exchanged views on issues pertaining to bilateral defense cooperation and regional security, stated the President’s Media Division.

Sanja Mitra and Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando will continue discussions to on these issues to further strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.

Secretary to the President, Udaya Seneviratne and Indian High Commissioner Taranjith Singh Sandhu were also present during this discussion.