Colombo, Sep 9 (NVI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake here and held discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to shared development, people’s welfare and regional security.
During the meeting, Singh conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and underlined the deep historical and civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka, as well as strong people-to-people relations.
The two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of the multifaceted partnership between the two countries and agreed to continue working together for development, peace, security and prosperity in the region.
Dissanayake, while welcoming Singh, recalled his interactions with Modi and reiterated that Sri Lanka would never allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India’s security interests.
The Sri Lankan president also expressed gratitude to India for relief assistance provided under Operation Sagar Bandhu following Cyclone Ditwah and for the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi for reconstruction and rehabilitation across the island.
Singh said India considers assistance to Sri Lanka not as a favour but as its responsibility as the country’s closest friend and neighbour and would continue to act as a first responder in times of crisis.
The two leaders also virtually inaugurated three Bailey bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces.
During the visit, the two sides exchanged memoranda of understanding on the upgradation of six L70 air defence guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Defence Colleges (NDC) of the two countries.
The upgradation of the six L70 guns is being undertaken under a Government of India grant and is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s air defence capabilities. The guns had earlier been provided to the Sri Lankan Air Force by India.
The MoU between the National Defence College of India and its Sri Lankan counterpart will facilitate academic cooperation and knowledge sharing, further strengthening institutional ties.
The agreement on NCC cooperation will formalise the youth exchange programme between the two countries, providing opportunities for Sri Lankan cadets to participate in NCC activities in India along with cadets from other countries.—(NVI)
