Lankan and Indian External Affairs Ministers hold bilateral discussions

Co-chairing the eighth Session of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris and Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid discussed and reviewed comprehensively the bilateral relations including trade, investment and services, development cooperation, science and technology, power, agriculture, health, people-to-people contact, connectivity, tourism, culture and education The duo also signed two Agreements relating to Combating International Terrorism and Illicit Drug Trafficking and Avoidance of Double Taxation.

Addressing the media at the conclusion of the Joint Commission Meeting, the two ministers expressed satisfaction that the discussions have helped to further deepen understanding and friendship between the two countries to work together, to reap full advantage of opportunities that are beneficial to the people of both countries.

The Sri Lanka delegation to the 8th Session of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission included, among others, the Monitoring Member of Parliament Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, External Affairs Ministry Secretary K. Amunugama, High Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam, Ceylon Electricity Board chairman W. Abeywickrema, Department of Commerce Director General P. D. Fernando, External Affairs Ministry Legal Adviser T. Wijemanna, Director General of South Asia at the External Affairs Ministry V. Krishnamoorthy and Economic Development Ministry Director General Saroja Sirisena.

In a separate bilateral discussions between the two Ministers, Minister Peiris explained to Minister Khurshid, steps being taken for the implementation of the recommendations of the Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), resettlement of the internally displaced, reconstruction and infrastructure development in the North and East and progress in the political process.

The two ministers shared their views on regional and global issues that impact upon the economies of the two countries, as well as security. The two ministers resolved to work together closely on all issues of mutual concern.

On January 22, the minister delivered a public lecture at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi on the topic "The Rise of Asia and Sri Lanka's Role".

The lecture, attended by academics, diplomatic community in Delhi and media personnel was followed by an interactive session. In his lecture, the Minister addressed the path Sri Lanka seeks to tread in terms of policies for sustainable socio-economic development in the post conflict era and challenges. Minister Peiris addressed in this context, the very special relationship Sri Lanka enjoys with India, which is steeped in history and age-old ties between the people of the two countries.

The Minister cited the ties that continue to bind the people of the two countries and recalled the exposition of the sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka in 2012 which provided an opportunity for approximately 3 million people to pay homage and that approximately 220,000 Sri Lankan pilgrims visit India each year. No longer, he said, is the partnership a one-way street as Sri Lankan investors are now making headway into the Indian economy and making valuable contributions.