Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who is on an official visit to New Delhi, called on the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today.

Finance Minister Rajapaksa briefed the Prime Minister on initiatives being taken by both countries to increase bilateral economic cooperation, and conveyed his thanks for the support extended by India for the Sri Lankan economy.

Prime Minister spoke about the central role that Sri Lanka occupies in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its S.A.G.A.R (Security and Growth for all in the Region) doctrine. He reiterated that India would continue to stand with the friendly people of Sri Lanka.

Finance Minister Rajapaksa noted the deepening people-to-people relations between both countries, including in the cultural sphere. Prime Minister pointed to the potential for increasing tourist flows, including through joint promotion of Buddhist and Ramayan tourism circuits.

Earlier today, the minister also held a discussion with Foreign Secretary, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla. 

Accompanied by Secretary to the Treasury S.R. Attygalle and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, Minister Rajapaksa arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a two-day official visit, on an invitation extended by the Indian government.

Upon his arrival, Minister Rajapaksa was accorded a warm welcome by the Sri Lankan High Commission to India Milinda Moragoda. 

He is expected to seal the Indian credit facility of USD 1 billion for importing food, essential items, and medicine to Sri Lanka during this visit.

The finance minister is also scheduled to meet with Indian External Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and India’s Deputy National Security Advisor Shri Vikram Misri.

Discussion between Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Indian Foreign Secretary, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla