India Calls for Early Provincial Council Elections | Welcomes Sri Lanka’s Security Assurances

COLOMBO (News 1st); India has called on Sri Lanka to proceed with Provincial Council elections at the earliest while reaffirming its support for the full implementation of constitutional provisions aimed at addressing the aspirations of the Tamil community, during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's official visit to Colombo.

During discussions with Sri Lankan leaders, Misri urged the Sri Lankan government to honour its commitment to hold Provincial Council elections and stressed the importance of implementing constitutional provisions relating to the Tamil people.

The Indian Foreign Secretary also welcomed assurances given by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that Sri Lankan territory would not be permitted to be used in any manner detrimental to India's security, describing it as a strong foundation for a deeper and mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries.

The issue of fishermen also featured prominently in the discussions. Misri requested Sri Lanka's cooperation in securing the early release of Indian fishermen and fishing vessels currently detained in Sri Lankan waters. He emphasized the need for a humanitarian approach while both countries continue working through bilateral mechanisms to find a lasting solution to fisheries-related concerns, taking into account the livelihood needs of fishing communities.

The Indian Foreign Secretary paid an official visit to Sri Lanka on August 5, marking his first standalone visit to the island since assuming office. During the visit, he met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja. He also met Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and held separate discussions with representatives of the Sri Lankan Tamil and Indian-Origin Tamil communities.

Throughout the engagements, Misri reaffirmed India's unwavering commitment to Sri Lanka under New Delhi's "Neighbourhood First" policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, while both sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and ongoing development projects.

The two countries expressed satisfaction with progress achieved under the USD 450 million reconstruction package announced by India following Cyclone Ditwah. A key outcome of the visit was the exchange of agreements relating to Indian Rupee-denominated Lines of Credit worth a combined USD 350 million, including USD 250 million for railway projects and USD 100 million for livestock development and other priority requirements.

The agreements between the Export-Import Bank of India and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Finance were exchanged in the presence of President Dissanayake. The two sides also welcomed the impending commencement of reconstruction work on damaged houses and permanent bridges under a USD 100 million grant component of the Ditwah reconstruction programme.

Discussions also reviewed progress on several Indian-assisted initiatives, including the supply of medical equipment for the relocated Deniyaya Hospital, installation of medical kiosks across Sri Lanka, educational equipment for schools and plans to implement an islandwide disaster early warning system.

Both sides noted that rehabilitation work on the Northern Railway Corridor, funded through a USD 5 million Indian grant, has been completed and train services have resumed.

Energy cooperation remained a major agenda item, with discussions focusing on expediting the electricity grid interconnection project, the Sampur Solar Power Project and the development of Trincomalee as a regional energy hub.

The two countries also agreed to push forward the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity Project and initiate discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding for the rehabilitation and modernization of Kankesanthurai Harbour under a USD 61.5 million grant.

The leaders further agreed to work towards the early conclusion of an agreement expanding the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service and welcomed the successful implementation of an Indian-funded capacity-building programme that has already benefited more than 1,000 Sri Lankan professionals.

Attention was also given to projects targeting the Indian-Origin Tamil community, with Misri encouraging the expedited implementation of development initiatives, including the construction of 10,000 houses announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in 2017.

Economic cooperation was another key area of discussion. Both countries welcomed progress made in negotiations to upgrade the Indo-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and noted the successful conclusion of negotiations on the India-Sri Lanka Social Security Agreement, which is expected to be signed once internal approval procedures are completed.