The Indian government is most keen to make Sri Lanka among the closest friends of India in the economic sector and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s official visit to India give great strength to this said the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said so at the discussions with President Sirisena at Hyderabad House in New Delhi this afternoon.

President Sirisena was warmly welcomed by the Indian Prime Minister at the Hyderabad House where agreements were signed to further strengthen economic, power and energy, fisheries and cultural affairs between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi who expressed his great satisfaction at President Sirisena’s decision to make India the venue of his first official visit abroad said this was an occasion that gave rise to a common voice between the two countries and would be most beneficial to the friendship between India and Sri Lanka.

Having expressed great satisfaction at the manner in which the recent Presidential Election was conducted in Sri Lanka, Mr. Modi said this was caused most satisfaction both to democracy and to the Indian government.

During the discussion among the two leaders with regard to cooperation in matters of regional cooperation, Indian Prime Minister pointed out that it should be useful for Sri Lanka to have an exchange of views with the Maldives.

Both leaders who discussed the issue of fisheries that prevail between India and Sri Lanka, were of the view that both countries should work towards a solution that would bring about the best results to each other.

President Sirisena stated that his decision to select India for his first official visit abroad was a result of the friendship that prevail between the two countries and, that warm welcome received from the Indian State and people, as well as the good wishes of Indian Prime Minister would contribute further strengthening the friendship between the two countries. President Sirisena further stated that there would be a closer relationship between the two countries than in the past.

President Sirisena said Sri Lanka is eagerly waiting to extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi when he undertake state visit to Sri Lanka in March.

Following discussions President Sirisena also visited the National Museum in New Delhi.

President Sirisena is also scheduled to meet former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress Party Leader Ms. Sonia Gandhi.

Source: www.priu.gov.lk