By P.K.Balachandran/Daily Express Courtesy NewsIn.Asia

Colombo, January 6: The Indian Foreign Minister Dr.S.Jaishankar said here on Wednesday that it is in Sri Lanka’s own interest that the expectations of the Tamil people, of equality, justice, peace & dignity within a united Sri Lanka, are fulfilled.

And that applies equally to commitments made by the Sri Lankan government on meaningful devolution including the 13th Amendment,” he added.

Jaishankar was addressing the media following talks with the Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The Indian Foreign Minister did not directly mention the controversial Colombo Port Eastern Container Terminal in which India wants to invest along with Japan but which is facing a challenge from Sri Lankan nationalists. He did, however, say that it will help Sri Lanka’s economic recovery if the agreed developmental projects are implemented.   

Here are extracts from his address:

I visit Sri Lanka at a time when both our countries are faced with daunting and common challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, I think Covid has given us an opportunity to collaborate even more closely.”

Reflecting our Neighbourhood First policy, India has supported Sri Lanka’s efforts to tackle Covid through timely medical assistance. I should also place on record my appreciation to the Sri Lankan Government for its assistance and facilitation in evacuation of Indian nationals who were stuck here. We are now looking at post-Covid cooperation and I carry back with me Sri Lanka’s interest in accessing vaccines from India.”

It is also gratifying to note that Covid has not been able to dent our bilateral cooperation. High level contacts were maintained and indeed strengthened during the past year and the Virtual Bilateral Summit between PM Modi and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was a high watermark for us in 2020.”

This morning, I had the honour to call on H.E. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. My counterpart and I have just completed our discussions, reviewing in detail the progress in our partnership. This evening, I look forward to calling on H.E. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. In line with our shared democratic traditions, meetings are also planned with other important political and community leaders. There is also an interaction with the business community. To all of them, I carry the message of an India that will always be a dependable partner and reliable friend, open to strengthening its relationship with Sri Lanka on the basis of mutual trust, mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity.”

Right now, India and Sri Lanka both face the immediate challenge of post-Covid recovery. This is not just a public health issue but equally, a crisis of the economy. Where India is concerned, you are aware that our Covid numbers have come down sharply and the prospect of mass vaccination is in sight.:

The Indian economy has also shown strong signs of recovery in the last few months. We are very confident that this will be full-blown by the next quarter. These developments will obviously have a positive impact on Sri Lanka. At the same time, there are specific challenges that need addressing, whether it is in finance or in trade. My visit is aimed at facilitating that process.”

As two close neighbours with such obvious synergies, the potential for further strengthening our cooperation is enormous. Some of that may help provide immediate relief; others would have very positive medium-term implications for Sri Lanka’s development. There are many proposals under discussion, including in infrastructure, energy, connectivity, etc. Their early implementation is obviously in mutual interest and would definitely accelerate Sri Lanka’s economic recovery.”

Let me stress that Indian business is strongly interested in investing in Sri Lanka. We have discussed some important opportunities including in special zones for pharmaceutical manufacturing as also in tourism. I will ensure an early follow-up.”

India has a solid record as a development partner of Sri Lanka in the social, community and human resources sectors. Whether it is in mass housing or ambulance services, heritage conservation or education, our partnerships have made a real difference to the lives of the people all over the island. Our Lines of Credit have re-built connectivity, facilitating the restoration of normalcy. We are cognizant of the domestic priorities of the Sri Lankan Government, including in agriculture and technology, education and skill development and urban development.”

In particular, we understand the importance H.E. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Government of Sri Lanka attach to the establishment of vocational training centres. We will naturally be guided by these priorities in our future endeavours.”

Ethnic Reconciliation

As we promote peace and well-being in the region, India has been strongly committed to the unity, stability and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka. Our support for the reconciliation process in Sri Lanka is longstanding, as indeed for an inclusive political outlook that encourages ethnic harmony. It is in Sri Lanka’s own interest that the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace and dignity within a united Sri Lanka are fulfilled. That applies equally to the commitments made by the Sri Lankan Government on meaningful devolution, including the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. The progress and prosperity of Sri Lanka will surely be advanced as a consequence.”

Maritime Security

As maritime countries in the Indian Ocean, India and Sri Lanka have a shared interest in ensuring maritime security and safety. We have a long history of cooperation in this regard. India has been the first responder in emergency situations. I am confident that this domain of cooperation will continue to expand in the days ahead. We stand ready to enhance Sri Lanka’s capabilities to meet growing maritime and security challenges.

Fisheries Dispute

With regard to matters covering fisheries, you would be aware that the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on this issue has met recently where all outstanding issues were discussed in an open and candid manner. We naturally look forward to an early return of our fishermen. I will also be meeting Fisheries Minister Mr. Douglas Devananda later this afternoon to discuss this further.”

Sri Lanka has assumed leadership of BIMSTEC and we look forward to participating in the next BIMSTEC Summit here.”

Lankan Foreign Minister

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena invited India to invest in Sri Lanka in the field of renewable energy like solar energy to mitigate climate change. Gunawardena also sought cooperation in the vocational education and the development of the Blue Economy. He also stressed the importance of stopping illegal fishing in an oblique reference to Indian fishermen illegally fishing in Sri Lankan waters in the Palk Strait and Palk Bay. Gunawardena expressed Sri Lanka’s interest in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

The Lankan Foreign Minister thanked India for giving US$ 15 million for promoting Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and India and SRs.1.2 billion (US$ 6.3 million) for the development of the Jaffna Cultural Center.

Dr.Jaishankar is to meet Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa later in the day and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on Thursday prior to departure. 

He was here at the invitation of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister. He was to come here in 2020 but the COVID 19 pandemic put paid to it, Jaishankar said.