High-level Indian delegation reaches Sri Lanka for talks on assistance

Four high-ranking officials from India including Foreign Secretary Shri Vinay Kwatra arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (June 23) for a one-day visit.

The delegation is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan authorities on the assistance provided to the island nation by India amidst the current economic crisis.

The Indian Foreign Secretary is accompanied by Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance of India Ajay Seth, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran and Joint Secretary of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Kartik Pande of the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

During the visit, the Indian delegation will call on the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

The delegation will also hold discussions with senior officials on the economic situation in the country and the short-term and long-term assistance requirements.

Meanwhile, a team of representatives from the U.S. Department of the Treasury is expected in Sri Lanka next Monday.

Addressing the parliament yesterday, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said: “We ensured that we created the background necessary for the immediate arrival of these three teams in Sri Lanka. We will conduct lengthy discussions with them. Their presence in the country will now allow us to hold meetings together with all three teams. It will only further assist us in expediting our programme.”