Days after a new government was elected in Sri Lanka, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Oct 5 visited Colombo and extended the fiscal help programme to the new dispensation headed by President Anura Dissanayake.
A Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement described the meeting: “The Sri Lankan President said India’s economic support is critical to realising his vision of a prosperous country and meeting the aspirations of the people.” Dissanayake referred to the potential of export of renewable energy to India.
The MEA, without naming China, said: “The Lankan President reiterated that his territory would never be allowed to be used in a manner inimical to India’s security interests”. India in the past had objected to Chinese spying ships and submarines docking at Colombo.
Jaishankar also met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and held discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath. He also called on former President Ranil Wickremesinghe and leader of SJB Sajith Premadasa.