SL President Rajapaksa: Will not allow Sri Lanka to be used to threaten India’s security

Colombo/New Delhi, Oct 5 (UNI) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said he will not allow Sri Lanka to be used in any effort that would threaten India’s security, during his meeting with visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday.

During his meeting with FS Shringla, President Rajapaksa also explained Sri Lanka’s relationship with China, adding that India need not have any doubt about it, the President’s Media Division said.

The President extended an invitation for Indian investors to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.

He also noted that in order to resolve the situation surrounding the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, the subject minister was vested with the responsibility of resolving the matter that would benefit both sides, the Media Division said, according to newsfirst.lk.

During the bilateral discussion, attention was also drawn towards promoting Sri Lanka’s Tourism sector and further enhancing opportunities for Sri Lankan military personnel to train in India.
Five decades ago, in 1971, then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike proposed that the Indian Ocean be made a Zone of Peace, and the President had noted he expects India’s support in taking this proposal forward.

President Rajapaksa also pointed out that a solution can be provided to the fishermen issue that has battered the fishing communities of both countries by identifying the solutions to those issues and providing benefits to the fisherfolk.

The President also noted that his government is taking measures to create an environment where the Tamil people who left the country can return, and the government has also invited the Tamil Diaspora and overseas Tamils to make this program a success.

Separately, in a tweet, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he had a fruitful discussion with Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and both agreed on the need for strengthening the lasting bond between the two countries.

The President said he has invited Indian investors to come to his island nation, and both had discussed tourism, power generation and post-pandemic economy revival.

“Had a fruitful discussion with Indian Foreign Min @harshvshringla. Both agreed on the need for strengthening the lasting bond between the two countries. I invited Indian investors to come to Sri Lanka, while we discussed tourism, power generation and post-pandemic economy revival,” he tweeted.