Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Tuesday said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo is a strong reflection of the close friendship and enduring partnership between India and Sri Lanka.
Addressing a joint press interaction with EAM Jaishankar, Herath said the visit also underlined India’s role as a first responder in times of crisis, including through the launch of Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Welcoming the External Affairs Minister, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to Narendra Modi, the Government of India and EAM Jaishankar for India’s support in helping Sri Lanka navigate its recent economic challenges.
He noted that Jaishankar’s visit comes at a crucial time and reflects India’s steadfast solidarity with Sri Lanka following the adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Herath said India’s timely assistance had been vital in supporting relief and recovery efforts.
Recalling India’s economic assistance, Herath said New Delhi had extended around four billion dollars to Sri Lanka through lines of credit for essential goods, petroleum-related bilateral currency swaps and liability deferment. He also highlighted India’s role in stabilising Sri Lanka’s economy through emergency financing and foreign exchange support.
The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister further appreciated India’s role in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process, including its position as co-chair of the official creditors committee, which helped ensure the timely conclusion of discussions.
Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, Herath said India and Sri Lanka share a long-standing, multi-dimensional relationship rooted in geographical proximity, deep historical and cultural connections, shared values and growing economic linkages. He added that bilateral relations continue to strengthen through regular high-level engagements and close cooperation at political, official and people-to-people levels.
Herath also detailed India’s assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, which included the supply of over 10,000 tonnes of relief material, deployment of an Indian Army para-field hospital in Mahiyangana, restoration of communication links by Indian Army personnel, and the provision of around 10 tonnes of essential medicines.
He said Jaishankar’s visit was particularly significant as the External Affairs Minister was set to announce an additional relief package aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. According to Herath, this gesture once again demonstrated India’s enduring friendship and solidarity with Sri Lanka.
-IANS
