Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his gratitude to President Rajapaksa for attending his inauguration. The new Indian Prime Minister also told the Sri Lankan President that the presence of leaders of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation augurs well for the future of SAARC cooperation and solidarity. President Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in bilateral discussions at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The President Rajapaksa was accorded a rousing welcome by the Indian Prime Minister on his arrival at the Hyderabad House for the bilateral discussions. 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, welcoming the views expressed by Prime Minister Modi, 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. Ministers Prof. G.L. Peiris and Arumugam Thondaman, Supervision MP Vass Gunawardena, Jaffna Mayor Yogehwari Patgunarasa. President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge, Foreign Secretary Kshenuka Seneviratne and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam joined in this discussion.
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