External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, India a reliable neighbour, is ready to go extra mile to help Sri Lanka

Colombo: External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that India is a reliable neighbour, a trustworthy partner and one who is prepared to go the extra mile when Sri Lanka feels the need. He said his visit expresses India’s solidarity with Sri Lanka in difficult times in line with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy of Prime Minister Modi.

Dr Jaishankar made the announcement during his just concluded two day visit to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Foreign minister Ali Sabry thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the generous and timely assistance India extended during the previous year. 

Earlier,



Dr Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe and discussed the political and economic situation, and stressed on the need to pay special attention to the requirements of Indian Origin Tamils.

Dr Jaishankar met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and leader of the opposition Sajith Premadasa. He also handed over Ashok Leyland buses to Transport minister Bandula Gunawardena. Dr. Jaishankar interacted with representatives of business community in Colombo and discussed the importance of economic growth as a solution to current challenges.