Presidential visit ‘consolidated the trust-building process’

Amid concerns in India about Chinese activities in Sri Lanka, the Lankan high commissioner, Milinda Moragoda, said that the recent visit by President Ranil Wickremesinghe had consolidated the trust-building process between the 2 countries and that the strategically located island nation in the Indian Ocean saw India’s security as Sri Lanka’s own security.

PM Narendra Modi had during the visit by Wickremesinghe underlined the need for the 2 countries to keep each other’s safety and sensitivities in mind while working together.

“There were discussions on geopolitical and strategic issues during the visit. India’s security is our security. We have civilisational links. We have the same blood. There has to be more communication and trust-building and the visit has consolidated this process,’’ Moragoda told TOI, while discussing the significance of what was Wickremesinghe’s first visit to India as the president of Sri Lanka.

The visit last month was also the first by the Lankan president since a Chinese spy vessel, much to India’s consternation, was allowed to dock at the Hambantota port last year. The president had assured India that Sri Lanka will remain mindful of India’s security concerns in the maritime domain, especially in relation to China’s presence in his country.

The visit saw Wickremesinghe thanking Modi for assistance worth $ 4 billion dollars India provided to the debt-ridden country to stabilise its economy and also for support in debt restructuring efforts.

“There was focus on finding a new growth strategy at a time the global environment remains challenging. We are looking at how we can benefit from India through integration of the 2 economies, better connectivity and by attracting more investments from India,’’ said Moragoda, adding that Sri Lanka can be a gateway to the region the way the Netherlands is to Europe.