India And Sri Lanka Work On Action Plan For Future Cooperation
Shakila Ifham
June 22, 2023
Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena held detailed discussions with Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay on the proposed Road Map for cooperation between the two countries. When the Indian High Commissioner called on the Prime Minister at the Temple Trees on June 22 they examined the outlines of the proposed action plan on economic cooperation.
High Commissioner Baglay, referring to the increase of tourism, said India would take steps to increase flights between the two countries. He said the public sector as well as private airlines are willing to operate flights to destinations in Sri Lanka. The Alliance Air wants to increase operations and extend current flights from South Indian destinations to Jaffna to Rathmalana Airport as it has been opened for passenger flights.
The Prime Minister urged for more Indian investments in the sectors such as digitalization, alternative energy and agriculture. Prime Minister thanked India for the support to obtain a suitable IMF Programme for Sri Lanka, for which financing assurances from creditors to make Sri Lanka’s debt sustainable are required as well as for the assistance during the economic crisis.
Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Deepa Liyanage and Media Advisor Sugeeswara Senadhira and Counsellor of Indian High Commission, Eldoss Mathews were also present during the meeting.