Sri Lanka: Indian Finance Minister meets Mahanayake Theros, briefs on Solar Power project

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on the Mahanayake Theros in Kandy on Wednesday (1).

Nirmala Sitharaman called on the Mahanayake of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Sect, the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero.

During her meeting with the Mahanayake, Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the strong connect the people of India feel through the Prime Minister of India for the people of Sri Lanka. 

The Indian Finance Minister had also noted that on Thursday (2) she will attend the the exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding for Solar Electrification of Religious Places in Sri Lanka wherein India will allocate INR 82.40 crores out of the GOI grant assistance of INR 107.47 crores earmarked for the promotion of Buddhist ties.

According to the Indian Ministry of Finance, the exchage of MoUs will take place in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thero had acknowledged the deep cultural ties with India and the shared Heritage between the two nations. 

The Mahanayake Thero also thanked the Indian Finance Minister for the economic assistance given during the time of economic crisis in Sri Lanka and highlighted that as Sri Lanka's most trusted friend, India was the first to reach out to help Sri Lanka in moment of economic crisis.

The Indian Finance Minister also called on the Mahanayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect, the Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana in Kandy.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman discussed the continued tradition of strong historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka. 

Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thero had acknowledged the cordial relations between the two countries and expressed gratitude for the support from India during the times of economic hardship in Sri Lanka.

The Indian Finance Minister also elaborated on the Solar Electrification of Religious Places in Sri Lanka project, and the Mahanayake Thero thanked India for the assistance and indicated that it is a timely and supportive step towards their energy needs.