Prime Minister Narendra Modi reminded the visiting Lankan President Ranil Wickeremsinghe of India’s key role in helping Ceylon during its economic crisis.
Both leaders had a private one-to-one lunch meeting on Saturday.
People in the know also said that Sri Lanka acknowledged India’s concerns regarding China’s presence in Sri Lanka.
Wary of China
PM Modi reminded the visiting Sri Lankan President that India was quick to respond to Sri Lanka’s economic crisis even when China was hesitating. It is noteworthy that Beijing has invested substantially in Sri Lanka to get a strategic advantage against India.
Hindustan Times also says PM Modi maintained, “Colombo must take into account India’s national security interest before collaborating with a third power.”
China has been pressuring Sri Lanka to participate in the Belt Road Initiative (BRI), a project India believes is detrimental to its security.
The Telegraph reports that land-based connectivity between India and Sri Lanka appears to be a focus area between the two leaders in their meeting on Friday. Both countries agreed to prepare a vision document in this regard.
Aspirations of Sri Lankan Tamils
PM Modi also brought up the issue of the Sri Lankan Tamils and the execution of the 13th Amendment which directs the Sri Lankan government to set up provincial councils and allow Tamils to have their say on police, land, agriculture, education, and other matters.
In his media statement, President Wickeremsinghe said, “I also shared with him (Modi) the comprehensive proposal I presented this week for furthering reconciliation, power sharing through devolution and the multiple elements of the Northern development plan. I have invited all party leaders in Parliament to work towards consensus and national unity on these measures.’’
Both countries have also identified Trincomalee as an energy hub. This will be a key component in the energy connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.
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