Colombo/New Delhi, Apr 5 (UNI) India and Sri Lanka inked their first MoU on defence cooperation and a trilateral cooperation with the UAE on development of Trincomalee into an energy hub, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayka.

Prime Minister Modi was also conferred Sri Lanka’s highest honour – the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, in recognition of his significant contribution to strengthening the bilateral ties and fostering goodwill between the two nations.

PM Modi, accepting the award said: “This award does not only honour me, but also honours 140 crore Indians. It is a tribute to the historic ties and deep friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka.”

The Sri Lankan President in his speech gave an assurance that “we will not allow our land to be used in any way that is detrimental to the interest of India. The cooperation with India will certainly flourish and I want to reassure our continued support to India.”

The two leaders held detailed discussions in restricted and delegation level format and reviewed cooperation in the fields of connectivity, development cooperation, economic ties, defence relations, reconciliation and fishermen issues.

PM Modi, in his address, said: “I am happy to see Sri Lanka back on the path of progress. India is proud to have fulfilled its duties as a true friendly neighbour. Whether it was the terrorist attack of 2019, the COVID pandemic, or the recent economic crisis, we have stood firmly with the people of Sri Lanka during every difficulty.”

“President Dissanayaka chose India for his first foreign visit after becoming President, and I have had the privilege of becoming his first foreign guest. This is a symbol of the depth of our special relations,” the PM said.

He said that Sri Lanka has a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision 'MAHASAGAR', and that both sides have made significant progress in their cooperation since President Disanayaka's visit to India.

The Sampur Solar Power Plant, being constructed by India, which the two leaders inaugurated virtually jointly, will help Sri Lanka achieve energy security.

He said the agreement reached to build a multi-product pipeline, and to develop Trincomalee as an energy hub will benefit all Sri Lankans. The Grid Inter-Connectivity Agreement between the two countries will create opportunities for Sri Lanka to export electricity.

The PM and Sri Lankan President also inaugurated a 5,000 Solar Rooftop System for religious places in Sri Lanka. He said that India will also provide support for the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity project.

PM Modi said that in the last six months, India has converted loans worth more than USD 100 million into grants. The bilateral ‘Debt Restructuring Agreement’ will provide immediate assistance and relief to the people of Sri Lanka.

The PM announced that India has decided to reduce interest rates. “It symbolises that even today, India stands with the people of Sri Lanka.”

He announced a support package of 2.4 billion Lankan Rupees for the social and economic development of the Eastern Province. The two leaders also inaugurated Sri Lanka's largest warehouse for the welfare of farmers.

“Tomorrow we will inaugurate the ‘Maho-Omanthai’ railway line, and lay the foundation stone for the signalling system on the ‘Maho-Anuradhapura’ section. Work for the modernisation of the Kankesanthurai Port will begin soon,” the PM said.

For the Indian Origin Tamil Community in Sri Lanka, the construction work of 10,000 houses will be completed soon. Training will be provided to an additional 700 Sri Lankan personnel. They will include Members of Parliament, personnel associated with the judiciary, entrepreneurs, media persons, as well as young leaders.

“We believe that we have shared security interests. The security of both countries is interconnected and co-dependent,” the PM said and thanked President Disanayaka for his sensitivity towards India’s interests.

“We welcome the important agreements made in the area of Defence Cooperation. We have also agreed to work together on the Colombo Security Conclave and Security Cooperation in the Indian Ocean,” the PM said.

The PM also announced that the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha found in 1960, in the Aravali region of Gujarat are being sent to Sri Lanka for an exposition.

India will assist in the renovation of the Thirukoneswaram Temple in Trincomalee. India will also provide support in the construction of the sacred city in the Anuradhapura Mahabodhi temple complex, and the Sita Eliya temple in Nuwara Eliya, he said.

On the issue of fishermen, the PM said: “We also discussed issues related to fishermen's livelihood. We agreed that we should proceed with a humane approach in this matter. We also emphasised on immediate release of the fishermen and their boats.”

On the issue of reconstruction and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, the PM said that President Disanayaka appraised him of his inclusive approach. “We hope that the Sri Lankan Government will meet the aspirations of the Tamil people and fulfil its commitment towards fully implementing the Constitution of Sri Lanka, and conducting Provincial Council Elections”, the PM added.

“Relations between India and Sri Lanka are based on mutual trust and goodwill. We will continue to work together to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of our people.”

The Seven MoUs inked encompass a wide range of sectors, reflecting the multifaceted cooperation between Sri Lanka and India:

1. HVDC Interconnection for Power Exchange: An MoU between India and Sri Lanka for the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection, facilitating the import and export of power.

2. Digital Transformation Cooperation: An MoU between India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Sri Lanka's Ministry of Digital Economy, focusing on sharing successful digital solutions implemented at a population scale.

3. Trincomalee Energy Hub Development: A trilateral MoU involving India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at developing Trincomalee as a strategic energy hub.

4. Defence Cooperation: An MoU between the Governments of India and Sri Lanka to enhance defence collaboration.

5. Multisectoral Grant Assistance for Eastern Province: An MoU providing grant assistance for various sectors in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province.

6. Health and Medicine Cooperation: MoU between the Ministry of Health and Family Wefare of India, and the Ministry of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka on the cooperation in the field of health and medicine

7. Pharmacopoeia Cooperation: MoU on Pharmacopoeia cooperation between the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India, and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka.

UNI RN