Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on visit to Sri Lanka, today called on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo and discussed the entire spectrum of the multi-faceted partnership between India and Sri Lanka. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed that India and Sri Lanka will keep working jointly to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region. President Dissanayake reiterated that Sri Lanka would never allow its territory to be used for any activities inimical to India’s security interests. Both sides also reaffirmed that as civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners, they would continue to work together for their development and welfare of the people.

. Meanwhile, Both leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges constructed by the Indian Defence Forces.

During the meeting, Mr Singh conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s warm greetings to Dissanayake. In return Mr Dissanayake also expressed gratitude for the relief assistance provided by India as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah and the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi to facilitate reconstruction and rehabilitation work across different parts of the island.

Mr Singh also underlined that the citizens of the two countries share deep friendship based on strong historical and civilisational links and people-to-people exchanges. Mr Singh emphasised that as a closest friend and neighbour of Sri Lanka, India considers it a responsibility to provide assistance as the first responder and would continue to do so in the future.

Mr Singh also met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and exchanged views on issues related to development cooperation, education and the close cultural and civilisational ties between India and Sri Lanka. They underlined that as sister democracies with shared heritage, India and Sri Lanka should continue to work on a shared developmental vision for the peace and prosperity of the region.