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PM's visit will strengthen bilateral links -Milinda

Minister of Economic Reforms, Science and Technology, Milinda Moragoda says that Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's official visit to India will further develop and strengthen bilateral co-operation between India and Sri Lanka.

The Minister is here in New Delhi holding preliminary talks with Indian authorities for preparation background work for the Prime Minister's visit.

Minister Moragoda says that when dealing with a large country like India Sri Lanka should have a strategic vision and a clear agenda. The close relationship maintained between Indian leaders and the Prime Minister Wickremesinghe facilitates the implementation of such a vision and an agenda for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

While strengthening co-operation on political, national security and broader policy issues with the central government of India, Sri Lanka plans to develop economic co-operation with South Indian states such as Kerala, Thamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh. Such co-operation will enable Sri Lanka to expand its market and in turn attract more foreign investment into the country, Minister Moragoda explained.

The Minister further said:

"Achieving these objectives is not as simple as it looks on the surface. Only our strong commitment and determination will take us to our goal".

"Holding discussions with the Indian authorities on the implementation of ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka at this juncture will be critically important. It would not be possible to make our journey towards peace a success without the blessings of India. We feel it is encouraging to find that the Indian opposition as well as the government is committed to a fair political solution to our problem. In this context Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's visit is timely and of great consequence."

"The Government of Sri Lanka has decided to continue to constant dialogue with India on the peace process and economic co-operation between the two countries".

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