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| Monday, 26 July 2004 |
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Indo-Lanka ties strengthened by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse's recent visit to India marked a significant milestone in Indo - Lanka relations. The unique feature of this visit was that not only was it Premier Rajapakse's first visit but also he was the first foreign dignitary to have been invited by the new Indian Government. Premier Rajapakse's visit drew much response with India pledging support to upgrade and develop various sectors covering the rural economy, agriculture, road network, fisheries and Information Technology. The visit helped further strengthen the relationship between the two Governments - both have laid emphasis on improving the rural economy and uplifting living conditions of rural folk amid globalisation challenges. The discussion between Premier Rajapakse and his Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh mainly focused on rural development and uplift of living conditions of those living in rural areas and poverty alleviation. Indian Premier Dr. Singh while stressing that his Government was committed to rural uplift said they were willing to link India's prosperity and economic improvement with that of Sri Lanka. "We would like to link up with Sri Lanka - rather than going alone," he had told Premier Rajapakse. Premier Rajapakse had replied that even the intention of his Government was the same - to ensure better living and other facilities to residents of rural and backward areas in Sri Lanka. India's commitment to resolving our longstanding North - East crisis too was further demonstrated during Premier Rajapakse's visit with the Indian Government pledging to stand for a united Sri Lanka. Indian leaders further stressed that India's stance for a united Sri Lanka would never change. Indian Premier Dr. Manmohan Singh had stressed that territorial integrity and unity of Sri Lanka were of paramount importance to the stability of India, while pledging to extend all assistance to Sri Lanka. Indian Finance Minister P. Chidambaram in his discussion indicated that the Indian administration is keen on the early resumption of peace talks. India's commitment was further exemplified by remarks of Minister of External Affairs K. Natwar Singh who went on to stress that any interim solution to the country's prolonged crisis should be included in the final solution. Indian authorities had further explained that they are totally against the creation of a state of Eelam. There was tight security in and around the Oberoi Hotel where Premier Rajapakse was staying with high level Sri Lankan delegation which comprised Minister of Trade and Consumer Affairs Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Both Ministers had discussions with Indian counterparts on issues concerning their respective portfolios. Political analysts claim that Premier Rajapakse's visit has turned a new leaf in Indo - Sri Lanka ties with India pledging to extend a US$ 250 million credit line to Sri Lanka to cushion the increasing oil prices and develop the country's road network. Of this total aid, US$ 150 million will be used to cushion the increasing cost of oil prices while the balance will be utilised to develop highways and the rural road network which come under the Prime Minister's purview . During the discussion, the Indian Prime Minister had requested Premier Rajapakse to present specific proposals covering areas such as agriculture, rural development and livestock so that India could extend its assistance to meet Sri Lanka's requirements. While explaining that Premier Rajapakse's visit was highly successful, Secretary to the Prime Minister Lalith Weeratunga said Sri Lanka could gain much support from Indian expertise to improve our specific sectors. Following a fruitful discussion between Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle and his counterpart, the Indian Government came up with an offer to provide wheat flour to the Sri Lankan Government at a reasonable rate. Minister Anura Dissanayake also noted that Sri Lanka could gain much from India to upgrade agriculture and livestock. "Further steps will be taken later to initiate a dialogue with Indian counterparts on these issues seeking their assistance and technical expertise." India's State Minister for Planning M. V. Rajashekaran who had been friend of a Premier Rajapakse for a long period described Minister Rajapakse as a great friend of India. Before concluding his visit, Premier Rajapakse paid a tribute to the Indian Government for hosting him and praised the Indian Government for their quick response to the proposals presented by him. Premier Rajapakse was accorded a warm welcome at the Rashtrapathi Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President who pledged assistance to improve Sri Lanka's rural economy and upgrade the living conditions of rural folk. The discussion between the Indian President Dr. A.J. Abdul Kalam and the Sri Lankan Prime Minister focused on cultural and social links between the two countries. President Kalam discussed the past glory of the ancient Buddhist University of Nalanda and requested that the two countries should make efforts to bring back the glory of the past and conduct archaeological research together. During his two day visit, Premier Rajapakse also met high profile leaders of the Indian Government including Chairperson of United Progressive Front Sonia Gandhi and the Minister of Statistics and Program Implementation Oscar Ferdinandes. |
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