Close knitting relations, Sri Lankan foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena to visit India

News Bharati    08-Jan-2020 18:05:40 PM
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Colombo, January 8: Roping in new cabinet and Sri Lanka President making his first international visit to India, the two neighbours have stood robust in fortifying their relation so far. Sri Lankan foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena will reach New Delhi tonight on a two-day official visit to India. The minister, leading a high-level delegation, will arrive late evening on his first visit abroad since he took over as foreign minister last November after formation of new government under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

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Dinesh Gunawardena will have delegation level meeting with External affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar tomorrow during which a gamut of bilateral issues will come up for discussion. Cooperation in economic projects, investment by Indian companies, issue of fishermen and stability in the Indian Ocean region are among the main issues likely to be discussed during the two leaders. Gunawardena, who holds charge of skill development and labour relations, will also have meeting with his Indian counterparts during his stay. He is also scheduled to visit Mahabodhi temple society on Friday before returning home.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited India in late November soon after he took office as the new Head of State. He held bilateral talks with PM Modi and his Indian counterpart President Ramnath Kovind. President Rajapaksa has called for investment by Indian companies particularly in high tech sector. He has also sought collaboration for training of Sri Lankan public officials at India's institutions to improve their skill and productivity.