India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, who is in Sri Lanka for an official visit, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning.
Joining a joint media briefing with his Sri Lankan counterpart Minister Ali Sabry following the meeting with President Wickremesinghe, Jaishankar said all bilateral creditors of Sri Lanka must take proactive steps to facilitate the island’s recovery.
“India decided not to wait on others but to do what we believe is right. We extended financing assurances to the IMF to clear the way for Sri Lanka to move forward.”
India is hopeful that this will not only strengthen Sri Lanka’s position but ensure that all bilateral creditors are dealt with equally, Jaishankar added.
He has handed over a letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting President Wickremesinghe to visit India at the earliest possible to discuss how the partnership with India can facilitate the island’s economic recovery.
Jaishankar also requested President Wickremesinghe to pay special attention to the requirements Sri Lankan Tamil community of Indian origin.
Recalling India’s support for both the political and economic stability of Sri Lanka, Jaishankar has told President Wickremesinghe of India’s considered view that the full implementation of the 13th amendment and early conduct of provincial elections are critical in this regard. “Durable efforts towards reconciliation are in the interests of all sections in Sri Lanka,” Jaishankar said further.
He reiterated that “India is a reliable neighbour [of Sri Lanka], a trustworthy partner, one who is prepared to go the extra mile when Sri Lanka feels the need.”
Emphasizing that his visit to Sri Lanka is a statement about Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to the ‘neighbourhood first’ policy, Jaishankar said reiterated that India would continue to stand by Sri Lanka in this hour of need. He explained that the primary purpose of his visit at this time is to express India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka during these difficult moments.
