Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday welcomed the new defence pact signed between India and Sri Lanka, saying the security of both countries is interconnected and co-dependent.
“I am grateful to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his sensitivity towards India’s interests. We welcome the important agreements made in the area of Defence Cooperation. We have also agreed to work together on the Colombo Security Conclave and Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean,” Premier Modi told a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat during which seven MoUs were signed.
Seven Memorandums of Understanding(MoUs) were signed yesterday between Sri Lanka and India at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, in the presence of visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Dissanayake.
These included an MoU for the implementation of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Interconnection for Import/Export of Power; MoU between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India and the Ministry of Digital Economy of Sri Lanka on Cooperation in the Field of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented at Population Scale for Digital Transformation; MoU between the Governments of India, Sri Lanka, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Cooperation in Development of Trincomalee as an Energy Hub; MoU between the Government of India and the Government of Sri Lanka on Defence Cooperation; MoU between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and the Ministry of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka on cooperation in Health and Medicine; MoU on Pharmacopoeial Cooperation between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and The National Medicines Regulatory Authority, Sri Lanka; MoU on Multi-Sectoral Grant Assistance to the Eastern Province.
“In the past six months alone, we have converted loans worth more than US$ 100 million into grants. Our bilateral ‘Debt Restructuring Agreement’ will provide immediate assistance and relief to the people of Sri Lanka. Today we have also decided to reduce interest rates. It symbolises that even today, India stands with the people of Sri Lanka,” Prime Minister Modi said. Referring to his talks with President Dissanayake, the Indian Premier said: “We also discussed issues related to fishermen’s livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on the immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.”
Premier Modi said the President apprised him of his inclusive approach. “We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people and fulfill its commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting Provincial Council Elections.”
He said, “For the social and economic development of the Eastern Provinces, a support package of approximately Rs.2.4 billion will be provided. Today, we also inaugurated Sri Lanka’s largest warehouse for the welfare of farmers.
The Sampur Solar Power Plant will help Sri Lanka achieve energy security. The agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline, and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit all Sri Lankans. The Grid Inter-Connectivity Agreement between the two countries will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity.
As Prime Minister, this is my fourth visit to Sri Lanka. My last visit in 2019 came at a very sensitive time. It was my firm belief at the time that Sri Lanka will rise, and rise stronger.
I applaud the courage and patience of the Sri Lankan people, and today, I am happy to see Sri Lanka back on the path of progress. India is proud to have fulfilled its duties as a true friendly neighbour. Whether it was the terrorist attack of 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic, or the recent economic crisis, we have stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka during every difficulty.
I am reminded of the words of the great Tamil saint Thiruvalluvar. He said,
Seyar Kariya Yaavul
Natt Pinn
Aadu Pul
Vinnaikkariya Yaavul Kaapu
Which means, in the face of challenges and enemies, there is no stronger assurance than a true friend and the shield of his friendship. President Disanayaka chose India for his first foreign visit after becoming President, and I have had the privilege of becoming his first foreign guest. This is a symbol of the depth of our special relations.
Sri Lanka has a special place in both our Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision ‘MAHASAGAR’. In the past four months, since President Disanayaka’s visit to India, we have made significant progress in our cooperation.”
