India assures further assistance to Sri Lanka and to expedite joint development projects

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena held detailed discussions with Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay on economic ties and cooperation between the two countries and ways and means of expediting the proposed joint projects. This discussion took place when the Indian High Commissioner called on him at the Temple Trees on September 22.

The Prime Minister thanked India for the assistance provided to Sri Lanka to face the current economic crisis by extending debt restructuring facilities and providing relief material, food and medicine.

They discussed the possibility of more Indian investments in the energy sector including solar and wind power, joint projects on Trincomalee oil storage tanks, ports, railways and assistance for agricultural and fisheries development.

Prime Minister thanked India for the support to obtain a suitable IMF Programme for Sri Lanka, for which financing assurances from creditors to make Sri Lanka’s debt sustainable are required.
Indian High Commissioner thanked the Prime Minister for his guidance in various capacities for strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka in all areas of development.

Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Disanayake and Counsellor of Indian High Commission, Eldoss Mathews were also present during the meeting.