No New Project Talks During Jaishankar’s Visit, Confirms Sri Lanka

by Zulfick Farzan 08-10-2024 | 5:28 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has claimed that the Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar's visit to Sri Lanka was part of a tradition to strengthen diplomatic relations when a new President is appointed.

"Our country, as well as the Indian government, has a tradition of strengthening diplomatic relations when a new President is appointed. That is why the Indian Foreign Minister visited Sri Lanka. During his visit, he extended an invitation to our President to visit India, and we also invited the Indian Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka. These discussions aimed to further strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries," explained Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spoksperson & Minister, Vijitha Herath.

In response to questions about whether any projects were discussed during the visit, particularly the controversial Adani project, Minister Herath clarified that no such discussions took place.

"No, such matters were not discussed. We clearly stated that this is a transitional period and an election period. The President has just been appointed, and no new decisions regarding projects have been made. Therefore, no decisions have been taken to halt or start new projects. There were no discussions on such matters, and no decisions have been made during this transitional period," he added.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Colombo on 4 October 2024.

He called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and held discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

Dr. S. Jaishankar also met former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Leader of the SJB, Sajith Premadasa.

On Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts, Dr. S. Jaishankar recalled that India had been supportive of Sri Lanka’s economic stability and recovery from the very start.

It was the first country to give financing assurances, which enabled the IMF to finalize the Extended Fund Facility.

He confirmed India’s support in the Official Creditors’ Committee in respect of Sri Lanka’s agreement with International Sovereign Bond holders.

India is also willing to expedite the conclusion of its bilateral MoU with Sri Lanka.