(UTV|COLOMBO) – Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that he sought India’s help to train the country’s security forces in counter-terrorism during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi on Sunday became the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the deadly Easter terror attacks on April 21 which killed 258 people and injured over 500.
During his visit, Modi said he was confident that Sri Lanka will rise again and cowardly acts of terror cannot defeat the spirit of Sri Lanka.
“India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi also met President Maithripala Sirisena and the two leaders agreed that terrorism was a joint threat that needs collective and focussed action.
Wickremesinghe in a statement said he had assured Modi that the delayed Indo-Lanka projects will be expedited.
Full Statement:
“I thank Prime Minister Modi for visiting Sri Lanka yesterday. His continual show of support towards our country will serve to strengthen confidence and encourage more people to visit our nation.
During his trip we discussed matters including the strengthening of regional security through reviving tri-lateral talks between Sri Lanka, India and the Maldive’s. I also requested that India work closely with Sri Lanka’s security forces, providing them with counter-terrorism training and logistical support.
I assured Mr. Modi that any Indo-Lanka projects which are facing delays will be expedited. A further series of joint initiatives between our two nations is being planned to ensure continued economic cooperation. The development of the Jaffna and Batticaloa airports as regional airports was also discussed.
Mr. Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka, following the lifting of the travel advisories by many countries including the UK, France and China, will serve as a boost for the tourism industry.”
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