India-Sri Lanka Bilateral Talks to Deepen Economic Ties

16 February 2015

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s recent visit to India after assuming office last month allows both countries to adopt a fresh approach to bilateral ties. New leadership in both New Delhi and Colombo has the potential for economic cooperation in development, commerce, and trade. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is proud to be a trade partner of Sri Lanka and plans to take bilateral relations to a new level. 

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee hosted a banquet for the visiting Sri Lankan President, where he delivered a speech that focused on strengthening bilateral relations. He noted that the first Free Trade Agreement India signed with any country was with Sri Lanka. “India is privileged to be a partner in Sri Lanka’s development efforts, focusing on capacity building, human resource development, and infrastructure support. I am delighted that the flagship Indian Housing Project in Sri Lanka continues to make excellent progress. The recommencement of the iconic ‘Yal Devi’ train service, after three decades, between Jaffna and Colombo through the Indian-assisted Northern Railway Rehabilitation project is a matter of particular satisfaction,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Sirisena calls his first official visit to India successful and fruitful – a contribution to the developing and ensuing friendship between the two countries. He eagerly awaits Prime Minister Modi’s arrival in Sri Lanka in March.

Related Links:

Golden Opportunity: Modi-Sirisena partnership must boost India-Sri Lanka ties to meet common challenges
SL and India agree to enhance defence ties
‘We have already established a good beginning towards future progress’ – President
A vast vista of cooperation beckons us – Indian President tells Sri Lankan President

Mr. Sheikh Bashir Uddin, Advisor to the Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh, emphasized the importance of boosting efficiency and...

Read More


The planned Dodhara Chandani dry port will help boost connectivity of Nepal's far-western region. Set to become Nepal's...

Read More


The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorized Trade convened in Kathmandu, Nepal,...

Read More


Maldives and Sri Lanka are strengthening their economic ties by undertaking a series of strategic collaborations aimed at...

Read More


Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, India, discussed plans for Assam's involvement in the development of Bhutan's...

Read More


Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, conducted an official visit to India on 2-4 January...

Read More


The Government of Sri Lanka is accelerating the implementation of its National Single Window system, enhancing services for...

Read More