President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday sought stronger cooperation with India to combat illicit drug trafficking, as he held wide-ranging talks with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on strengthening bilateral ties, accelerating development cooperation, and addressing shared regional challenges.
The discussions, held at the Presidential Secretariat during Misri’s official visit to Sri Lanka, focused on expanding cooperation across economic development, infrastructure, energy, trade, technology, and climate action, while reaffirming the longstanding partnership between the two countries, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.
President Dissanayake expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for India’s support during the country’s 2022/23 economic crisis, humanitarian assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, reconstruction support, and assistance in meeting Sri Lanka’s energy requirements during the recent Middle East crisis.
The two sides also reviewed the progress of Indian-assisted development projects currently underway in Sri Lanka and discussed several new initiatives proposed for future implementation.
Highlighting the Government’s intensified campaign against organised crime and narcotics, the President said Sri Lanka required India’s support to curb illicit drug trafficking, describing it as a growing regional challenge requiring closer cross-border cooperation.
He expressed confidence that India would extend its fullest cooperation in supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts to dismantle transnational drug networks.
The meeting also underscored the importance of greater regional collaboration to address the increasing challenges posed by climate change.
Misri commended Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic and social development programs and reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the country’s development priorities.
He also assured the President of India’s full cooperation in Sri Lanka’s efforts to eliminate the threat posed by illicit drugs.
Separately, the Indian High Commission in Colombo announced that the two sides exchanged agreements relating to INR-denominated Lines of Credit worth $ 350 million, forming part of India’s $ 450 million reconstruction assistance package extended following Cyclone Ditwah.
According to the High Commission, the financing will support reconstruction activities, infrastructure development, and procurement requirements arising from the cyclone’s aftermath.
The discussions also explored opportunities to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in technology, energy, and trade, with both sides emphasising the need to expand partnerships that generate mutual economic benefits and reinforce the strategic relationship between Sri Lanka and India.