Herath confirmed that discussions regarding the visit’s dates will happen only after the formation of the new government…reports Asian Lite News
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to Delhi, invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will take place after November, according to the island nation’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Herath confirmed that discussions regarding the visit’s dates will happen only after the formation of the new government, following the parliamentary elections on November 14, held nearly 10 months ahead of schedule.
Dissanayake, elected on September 21, had previously met India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, who was the first foreign dignitary to meet him after his victory and conveyed the invitation from Modi.
Earlier this year in February, Dissanayake, then Leader of the Opposition, made his first official visit to Delhi as a representative of the Marxist JVP (Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna).
His party had once led an anti-India movement in Sri Lanka during 1987-90, opposing the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord, which they viewed as compromising Sri Lanka’s sovereignty in addressing the Tamil minority’s demand for political autonomy.
Earlier, Dissanayake emphasised that India’s economic support is critical to realise his vision of a prosperous Sri Lanka and meeting aspirations of his country’s people. During his meeting with Jaishankar, he also reiterated that Sri Lankan territory would never be allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests.
During their discussions, the Sri Lankan President also referred to the potential of export of renewable energy to India, which could help reduce production costs in Sri Lanka and create additional resources. At the same time, he noted the contribution of Indian tourists and recognised that this has the potential to grow further.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is to place on record its request for membership of BRICS at the outreach BRICS summit to be held in Kazan, Russia, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said on Monday.
During an interaction with the Colombo-based diplomatic corps at the foreign affairs ministry, he said he and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will be unable to attend the summit because of the parliamentary election, but the secretary of foreign affairs will represent Sri Lanka and place on record request for membership.
He said he has already addressed letters to his counterparts in the BRICS member states seeking support, Xinhua news agency reported.
According to Herath, Sri Lanka considers BRICS to be an effective partnership to realise aspiration for mutually beneficial cooperation, peace and development, through strengthened and inclusive multilateralism within the framework of the United Nations Charter.
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