Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has concluded his one-day official visit to Sri Lanka and departed the island following a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation between the two countries.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has concluded his one-day official visit to Sri Lanka and departed the island following a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and advancing cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit, Misri met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath, and Foreign Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja. Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation, ongoing development projects, trade, investment, and technical collaboration.
A key outcome of the visit was the exchange of agreements relating to a concessional loan facility worth US$350 million, which forms part of India's US$450 million reconstruction assistance package provided in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditsva. The funding is expected to support reconstruction efforts, infrastructure development, and procurement required to address post-cyclone recovery needs.
According to the Indian High Commission, Misri also met leaders of Tamil political parties from the Northern and Eastern Provinces, as well as Muslim political representatives. The discussions covered power devolution, the welfare of the Tamil community, and Indian-funded development projects in the region.
The talks also reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects implemented with Indian assistance and explored proposals for future initiatives. Discussions included the implementation of the fourth phase of the Indian Housing Project for the plantation community, updating the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, and expediting the signing of the India-Sri Lanka Social Security Agreement.
The issue of Indian fishermen was also raised during the discussions. Misri reportedly requested that the Sri Lankan authorities take the necessary steps to facilitate the early release of Indian fishermen currently in custody.
