According to the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Prof. G. L. Peiris, India is the most important country in Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. During a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, Prof. Peiris emphasized that Sri Lanka is keen on developing a “stable, mutually beneficial, and constructive” relationship with India.
The two ministers discussed issues related to security, regional connectivity, and trade, with both sides expressing their commitment to enhancing cooperation in these areas. They also discussed the development of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port, which India has been involved in, and agreed to work towards its early implementation.
Prof. Peiris further expressed appreciation for India’s continued support in various areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and the need for Sri Lanka and India to work together to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity in the region.
The meeting between the two foreign ministers is a positive development for India-Sri Lanka relations, which have been strained in recent years over issues such as the ECT project and Sri Lanka’s debt to China. The commitment to enhancing cooperation in key areas and the emphasis on the importance of the bilateral relationship by both sides is a positive step towards building a stronger partnership between the two countries.