EAM S Jaishankar to participate in BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Colombo today

Colombo: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart G L Peiris in Colombo yesterday. They discussed economic recovery, India - Sri Lanka development partnership, mutual security, fishermen’s issues and international coordination. After the talks both Ministers witnessed the signing of many notable agreements.

The agreements are MoU for establishment of Modern Computer Labs and smart boards with customized curriculum software in 200 schools of Galle district, MoU on implementation of Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity SL-UDI programme with Government of India's grant assistance, MoU between Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Services and Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute, MoU for providing Marine Rescue Coordination Centre, MoU for implementation of hybrid power projects in three islands of Jaffna and MoU on cooperation in development of fishing harbours in Sri Lanka.

Dr Jaishankar also met Sri Lankan Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic resources Douglas Devananda. They exchanged views on issues pertaining to fishermen. The External Affairs Minister noted the agreement signed on fisheries harbour development, including in the North.

Earlier, Dr Jaishankar called on President Gotabaya Rajpaksha today in Colombo. They reviewed various dimensions of the close neighbourly relationship. Dr Jaishankar assured him of India’s continued cooperation and understanding.

He also called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. The discussions were followed by signing of agreement on supporting Buddhist culture and heritage. The External Affairs Minister virtually toured an ongoing camp in Jaffna on fitting ‘Jaipur Foot’. He also virtually inaugurated the Jaffna Cultural Centre constructed by India.

Dr Jaishankar visited the HCL technologies office development centre in Colombo. He said, it is great example of shared talent and global



workplace. Sri Lankan Minister for Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa also joined the occasion.

The External Affairs Minister visited Lanka IOC, a subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation in downtown Colombo yesterday. Managing Director of Lanka IOC Manoj Gupta briefed Dr Jaishankar on fuel supply situation. Dr Jaishankar said, Indian Line of Credit of 500 million dollars is helping Sri Lankan people in their everyday life.

The External Affairs Minister began his Sri Lanka visit by meeting Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday morning. Dr Jaishankar said they discussed the economic situation and India’s supportive response. He said India will continue to be guided by Neighbourhood First policy.

The External Affairs Minister met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Don Pramudwinai on the margins of the BIMSTEC Ministerial. They discussed global and regional issues as well as taking BIMSTEC forward.

He also met the Tamil National Alliance TNA delegation led by R Sampanthan during which discussion held on realization of the aspirations of the Tamils of Sri Lanka for equality, justice, peace and dignity.

Dr Jaishankar also interacted with Tamil Progressive Alliance TPA delegation of Mano Ganeshan, Thigambaram, V Radhakrishnan and Uday Kumar. They discussed the socio-economic issues of the Indian origin Tamil community. The Minister said, India stands committed to its development partnership with Indian Origin Tamils.

Dr Jaishankar received State Minister Jeevan Thondaman and Senthil Thondaman. They reviewed India’s development engagement in Upcountry. They also exchanged views on expanding the cooperation.

The External Affairs Minister will participate in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting in Colombo today.