The President who ended his Indian tour returns to the island
further strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka ties.
President Rajapaksa who left the island for New Delhi to participate in the inauguration of new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other activities returned to the island last evening.
The prime aim of the President’s tour was to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of India’s new Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a Chief Guest. The Indian Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to President Rajapaksa for attending his inauguration. Narendra Modi pointed out that the participation of the leaders of the South Asian Regional Solidarity Association including the Sri Lankan President in his inauguration will lead to better prospects and future cooperation among SAARC nations.
A meeting of the Sri Lankan and Indian leaders was held at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.
The two leaders had an in-depth discussion of issues of mutual concern. President Rajapaksa described the initiatives taken by Sri Lanka with regard to rehabilitation, resettlement, reconstruction and the ongoing reconciliation process in the country. President Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Modi also discussed the issue of fishermen of both countries and measures that can be taken to find a permanent solution through a process in which the views of fishermen from both countries can be taken into consideration.
Both leaders agreed that talks between the fishermen and the meeting of the joint committee of officials must continue. The Prime Minister was of the view that SAARC must focus on common issues that can benefit the region and reflect our concerns on a global platform.
President Rajapaksa stated that India’s leadership is crucial for the success of SAARC ventures and Sri Lanka looks forward to working with India in taking forward SAARC operations.
In the meantime, the meeting between the President and his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee was held at the Rasthrapathi Bawan. Both of them focused attention on matters which are of mutual interest to the two countries. The President referred to the development programmes mooted in Sri Lanka and the activities of the present national unity alliance. The Indian President said he is happy to have met the Sri Lankan President. Among the Sri Lankan representatives present were many Parliamentarians.
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