Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday praised the joint statement issued by India and Sri Lanka during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India, emphasizing its potential to deepen bilateral ties.
The joint statement followed comprehensive discussions in New Delhi on Monday between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Dissanayake. Wickremesinghe hailed the progress, stating, “This will further strengthen Indo-Lanka cooperation.”
He also commended President Dissanayake’s commitment to advancing the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) and the development of Trincomalee as a regional energy and industrial hub, calling these steps vital for economic progress.
Dissanayake’s visit to India marked his first international trip since assuming office in mid-September. As a leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), which has historically questioned Indian involvement in Sri Lanka, his endorsement of enhanced cooperation reflects a shift in policy. Wickremesinghe, a key architect of the ETCA, faced significant opposition from the JVP during his tenure.
The joint statement outlined plans for energy connectivity, including a high-capacity power grid interconnection and a multi-product pipeline to ensure affordable and reliable energy supplies. The two nations also agreed to explore a framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation.
President Dissanayake’s visit signals a promising chapter in Indo-Lanka relations, focusing on economic and strategic collaboration.
