Transcript of Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary on the State visit of President of Sri Lanka to India (December 16, 2024)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
December 17, 2024
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good Evening friends, I welcome you to this Special Briefing by Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri on the ongoing State visit of the President of Sri Lanka. We are also joined in the dais by Sri Puneet Agarwal, Additional Secretary who looks after Indian Ocean Region in the Ministry of External Affairs. With that, I invite Foreign Secretary sir to give his opening remarks.
Sir, over to you.
Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Thank you, Randhir. Good evening to all of you.
Thank you for joining this briefing on the ongoing State visit of the President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake. You would have followed the media statements that were delivered earlier today by the President and the Prime Minister. Following the discussions this morning, the two sides have adopted an India-Sri Lanka joint statement titled 'Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future'.
I believe it has been released, so it's available in the public domain and you may like to go through it. Allow me to take you through some of the main elements and takeaways from this visit. The President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Anura Kumara Disanayaka is in India on a state visit.
It's a three-day visit. It began yesterday when he arrived here in the evening. He's accompanied by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and the Deputy Minister for Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando.
Yesterday on arrival, shortly after he arrived in New Delhi, the External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar called on the President. Subsequently, the National Security Advisor Sri Ajit Doval and Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman also called on the President. This morning, the official engagements began with a ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan by the Honorable President and the Prime Minister.
Subsequently, the President went to Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. And this was followed by the talks in Hyderabad House between the President and Prime Minister. There were a session of restricted talks and then delegation-level talks.
The Prime Minister also hosted a banquet lunch in honor of the President. Just a short while ago, the Vice President called on the President. And as we speak, there is a business meeting going on.
The President Disanayaka, is interacting with Indian CEOs in the sectors of IT, Startup Ecosystem, Renewable Energy, Agriculture, Textiles, etc.
This evening, President Disanayaka will meet with Hon'ble President at Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Honorable President will also host a banquet dinner in honor of the President. Tomorrow, President Disanayaka is going on a brief visit to Bodh Gaya and he will return to Sri Lanka later in the evening tomorrow. You would be aware that this is President Disanayaka's first bilateral visit in this capacity after assuming the Presidency and the fact that he has chosen India to be his first foreign destination after assuming office as President in itself demonstrates the importance that Sri Lanka attaches to the bilateral relationship with India.
As you all know, Sri Lanka is also India's closest maritime neighbour and has been an integral part of India's Neighbourhood First Policy and India's Vision SAGAR. The two countries are civilizational partners with a unique friendship and India has time and again demonstrated that it is a dependable partner and a reliable friend for Sri Lanka. Whether it is disasters, mishaps at sea, the COVID pandemic or indeed the very serious economic crisis that confronted Sri Lanka just a couple of years ago, India has been present in the role of a first responder.
Our support has been timely, swift and most importantly unconditional, underlining our position as a responsible and friendly neighbour of Sri Lanka. President Disanayaka in fact acknowledged the same during the discussions today with the Prime Minister and thanked the Prime Minister for India's support, especially the crucial assistance in the form of nearly USD 4 billion in various kinds of aid in 2022 and 2023, which helped stabilize the Sri Lankan economy at a critical juncture. India remains involved in this financial stabilization effort for Sri Lanka through its engagement with the IMF, which is undertaking a program for Sri Lanka following the debt restructuring that has been agreed.
You are probably also aware that India is the co-chair of the Official Creditors Committee and in that role also continues to play an important role in assisting Sri Lanka through this challenging phase. In recent years, India has also been Sri Lanka's largest trade partner. We are Sri Lanka's largest source of tourists.
We also happen to be Sri Lanka's largest source of investment. Sri Lanka is also one of the largest beneficiaries of our developmental cooperation program and the recipient of several capacity building initiatives.
The two countries, close as they are, are also pursuing various connectivity measures. We have enhanced our air and maritime connectivity and we are now working on several projects related to energy connectivity through, for instance, plans for inter-grid connectivity, a multi-product petroleum pipeline between the two countries, supply of LNG, and the under-preparation Sampur Power Project. In addition, there is digital connectivity and this has taken a significant step forward through the introduction of UPI services in Sri Lanka.
The current visit aims to expand this very robust partnership and take its frontiers even further. President Disanayaka thanked India for its instrumental role in finalizing the debt restructuring, as I said earlier, and the provision of grant assistance to undertake development projects in Sri Lanka. In particular, he thanked India for its decision to extend USD 20.66 million as grant assistance to settle the payments related to seven completed line-of-credit projects in Sri Lanka. These were projects that were pursued under a loan agreement, but in view of the ongoing situation, it was decided by India to convert the repayments due under this line-of-credit into a grant. Similarly, there is another grant assistance project that has been announced of USD 61.5 million towards the rehabilitation of Kankesanthurai Port in the northern province. This is also something that was to be executed through a line-of-credit, but will now be executed through a grant.
Prime Minister affirmed our continued commitment to support Sri Lanka in its economic stabilization efforts for its economic recovery and economic growth. He further assured President Disanayaka that India's approach would be investment-based and grant-oriented to reduce the debt burden on Sri Lanka and to assist them in generating economic opportunities that are long-term and sustainable and will eventually contribute to growing the absolute size of the Sri Lankan economy.
As I mentioned, both leaders have also adopted an India-Sri Lanka joint statement fostering partnerships for a shared future, providing a framework to strengthen the comprehensive bilateral partnership across several sectors, and these sectors include Parliamentary Exchanges, Development Cooperation, Debt Restructuring, Energy Cooperation, Trade and Investment Cooperation, Strategic and Defense Engagement, issues related to fishermen, among others. The joint statement will provide guidance for the relationship that is future-oriented and at the same time people-centric. The document also aims to bring together the several ways in which India can support Sri Lanka's economic recovery and have the partnership deliver prosperity for people in both countries.
Let me also quickly mention some of the major announcements and initiatives that have been finalized during the visit. We have announced grant assistance of USD 14.9 million to undertake a Signaling System in the Maho Anuradhapura segment of Sri Lankan railways, thereby furthering, deepening our cooperation on the infrastructure-related front. In addition to the already extensive scholarship programs that we offer in Sri Lanka, we have announced a comprehensive scholarship program for 100 students each from economically disadvantaged sections to the University of Jaffna and to the Eastern University.
The scholarship is intended to take care of the needs of the students for the entire duration of their studies. Similarly, today an MOU was exchanged to train 1500 Sri Lankan civil service officers over a period of five years. This is an MOU that has been signed between the National Centre for Good Governance in India and the Sri Lankan Institute for Development Administration.
In line with the Sri Lankan government's emphasis on transforming governance through digitization, something that President Disanayaka expressed very keen interest in and something that he's committed to, in a sense, taking forward in Sri Lanka, learning from India's own achievements and experiences in this regard. Both leaders agreed to expedite the implementation of the India-funded grant project of Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity that will support Sri Lanka in setting up its own foundational digital ID program and platform, much like India's Aadhaar. I mentioned earlier that we have already launched UPI in Sri Lanka for the use of Indian tourists since February 2024.
It was recognized on both sides that this would also provide a major flip to increasing tourism from India in Sri Lanka. Today, another MOU that was exchanged was on a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement in order to bring the DTA in line with international standards on prevention of tax treaty abuse. You're aware that the issue of fishermen is a particularly important one for both countries.
The leaders had extensive discussions on this issue and agreed that issues related to fishermen must be dealt with through a humane and humanitarian perspective. These are issues related to livelihood and it was agreed that the use of force must be avoided under all circumstances.
The two leaders also had a detailed conversation on promoting reconciliation in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister urged President Disanayaka for a full and effective implementation of the Sri Lankan constitution for meaningful devolution and for holding provincial council elections at the earliest. The engagements and the conversations today between the leaders have further deepened mutual understanding of each other's interests, sensitivities and concerns, adding to the mutual trust and goodwill at the political level.
I would say that the engagement and the outcomes during this visit have provided new momentum to our ongoing cooperation. And in the coming months and years, we look forward to practically translating these into concrete actions for the benefit of the relationship. Let me also add that President Disanayaka, while expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome and the hospitality that he had received here, extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister accepted the invitation. It is understood that the dates for such a visit will be worked out through diplomatic channels.
Let me stop there and I'll try and answer any questions that you might have.
Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Can we go here? Rishabh.
Rishabh, Times Now: Good evening. My name is Rishabh, from Times Now. Sir, were there any discussions where Sri Lanka asked India to help them re-structure the debt they are already in from international bodies or other third parties? Has there been any discussion where India can play a role in helping Sri Lanka to get loans restructured?
Keshav Padmanabhan, The Print: Thank you. Good evening, Foreign Secretary. This is Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. I just wanted to follow up whether there were any discussions on birthing of research vessels at Sri Lankan ports and whether the Sri Lankan government has extended its moratarium that it had for 2024 by another year. Is there any sense of this? Thank you.
Sahil, ANI: Sir, I'm Sahil from ANI. Were there any discussion on the regional and the international issues?
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Sir, my first question is, were there any conversations on the Ramayana Trail and the land bridge? My second question is, were there any conversations on the Adani investments in the western terminal of the Colombo port given that there has been certain controversy when it comes to Adani's investments?
Smita Sharma: Just to follow up on Sidhanth's question because there have been reports suggesting that the government is reconsidering the approval to the Adani Power Project, the wind power project. And isn't Adani representative a part of the CEO's forum or the business forum, the meetings that President Disanayaka is having? And if you could just explain, elaborate on the project with UAE that has been envisioned in terms of the multi-product pipeline, please.
Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Okay well, with regard to this question about help for restructuring, as you are aware, India is the co-chair of the Official Creditors Committee and has been playing an important role in ensuring that the arrangements that are arrived at for restructuring the debt are equitable arrangements that meet the needs of all parties concerned. In fact, the Sri Lankan President thanked India for the help that we have already extended. As you are aware, there are negotiations that are currently going on between India, between Sri Lanka and the international sovereign bond holders who actually hold a considerable portion of the Sri Lankan debt.
And there too, India is playing a constructive role, a role that the Sri Lankan government has appreciated. We expect that we will remain in close touch with Sri Lanka on these issues. The IMF program is underway.
We, as the Prime Minister said on several occasions to President Disanayaka today, India is interested in seeing Sri Lanka succeed. A very important part of that success is going to be for Sri Lanka to come out of this current phase where it is addressing these debt-related issues and to get into the territory of significant economic growth. We will remain engaged with Sri Lanka on these issues.
With regard to the issue related to the birthing of research vessels, etc., our understanding is that the Sri Lankan government is looking at this issue. There are a number of considerations that they need to take into account. We did highlight from our perspective the role that India could play in a number of activities related to Maritime Security, Maritime Research, etc.
As I mentioned in my earlier remarks as well, we pointed to the importance and the sensitivity of our security interests in this area. President Disanayaka was very upfront in saying that he would ensure that nothing was done by using Sri Lankan territory that might impact India's security. So, we will continue to engage with the government of Sri Lanka on all these issues and we are confident that issues of importance such as these will continue to be given due care by the government of Sri Lanka.
With regard to discussion on regional and international issues, yes, there were a few references to Sri Lanka's desire to be part of multilateral organizations. You are aware that Sri Lanka has previously expressed interest in becoming a member of BRICS and you would also be aware that currently there are no new members being considered by BRICS in addition to the ones that were already on the anvil since last year. But as and when there is a consensus within BRICS to start looking at new members, we will certainly take into account the interest that has been expressed by Sri Lanka.
This is something that was communicated by the Prime Minister to President Disanayaka. With regard to Sidhant, your question on the Ramayana, yes, it did definitely come up in the context of not just the civilizational relationship between the two countries, but also in terms of the tourism potential that exists. And this is something that is a big draw for Indian tourists.
And therefore, there was a discussion on how we could promote the Ramayana trail in Sri Lanka and the Buddhism trail in India in order to mutually grow tourism in both directions. I think some of these questions related to the investment in the Colombo West terminal, as I understand, and the review of wind power projects, etc. There wasn't a detailed discussion on these issues.
We understand that the government is looking at various economic cooperation projects. But insofar as the Colombo port issue is concerned, there was no reference to this from either side. As to your question on the multi-product pipeline, this is something that is being conceived of as a possible trilateral cooperation initiative between India, UAE, and Sri Lanka.
It envisages the construction of an oil pipeline connecting India and Sri Lanka, with the involvement of the UAE in several ways, which could be financial, technical, material supply as well. We are currently at the stage where the drafts of possible agreements are being looked at between the three countries. And in the discussions today, it was agreed that representatives from the three countries could now get together at an early date to pursue this cooperation further and see how exactly to realize this on the ground.
Ashok: Sir, mere 2 sawal hain. Ek yah hai ki President ki statement mein yah kaha gaya hai ki wo Pradhamantri ko invite kar rahe hain. Kya kisi khaas date ya occasion ke liye invitation hai. Aur kya tourist sambandhit aur visa niyamo ko lekar kisi badlaav ki baat hui hai.
[Approximate English Translation] Sir I have 2 questions. First, It has been said in the President's statement that he is inviting the Prime Minister. Is the invitation for a specific date or occasion? And has there been any talk of tourist related and visa rules changes?
Reza, The Hindustan Times: Sir, this is Reza from The Hindustan Times. Foreign Secretary, I was wondering if you could just give a sense of the Sri Lankan side's response to our raising the issue of Tamils and, you know, the holding of provincial council elections and ensuring the rights of the Tamil minority.
Sachin Vadoliya UNI: Sir, Main Sachin Vadoliya hoon UNI se. Mera sawal yah hai ki jab President ka statement ho raha tha tab unhone fisherman wala jo issue hai uspar unhone kuch suggestion diya tha ki kuchh boat ko us tarah ka prayog nahin hona chahiye. To woh kya tha aur uspar Bharat ka paksh kya tha?
[Approximate English Translation - Sir, I am Sachin Vadoliya from UNI. My question is that when the President was making his statement, he had given some suggestions on the issue of fishermen, that the boats should not be use in that way. So, what was that and what was India's stand on it?]
Suhasini Haidar, The Hindu: This is Suhasini Haidar from The Hindu. You spoke about the discussion over BRICS and Mr. Disanayaka has said it in his own statement as well. I wanted to ask if India has discussed Sri Lanka's application to join the RCEP trading block. The application was put in earlier this year. How does India feel about Sri Lanka joining the regional trading block, that India itself has walked out of. And just a follow up, you spoke about the importance of Mr. Disanayaka making India priority by visiting India on his first bilateral trip abroad. Does that mean other leaders particularly from Nepal and Maldives who in the last year have not made first priority, is this something India is concerned about?
Vikram Misari, Foreign Secretary: Ashok, aapka sawal jo nimantran unhone Pradhanmantri ji ko diya hai, nahin yeh ek tarah se is tarah ke jo visits hote hain unmein aupcharik taur par is tarah ke jo nimantran hain unka aadan-pradan hota hai. Lekin yeh kab sambhav ho paayega, agle saal hi hoga lekin exactly kab sambhav ho payega yeh dekhna padega. Jaise maine kaha ki yeh rajnyik channels mein inke baare mein baatcheet hogi. Aur jo mutually convenient tarikh hogi uspar faisla hoga. Aur jo tourism aur visa ko lekar aapne puchha changes vagairah ke baare mein toh jaisa maine kaha tourism ke baare mein baatcheet hui. Bharat Sri Lanka ke liye paryatan ka sabse bada strot hai aur wahan par jo sahooliyate badhai jaa sakti hain jisne paryatan badhe uske baare mein baatcheet hui. Pradhamantri ne pahle hi main kah chuka hoon, maine iska zikra bhi kiya hai UPI ke introduction ke baad Bhartiya parytakon ke lie wahan par sahooliyat badhi hai. To usse aasha hai ki Bharat ki or se tourism badhega. Jo visa related issues hain usmain bhi baatchet hui ki kis tarah se visa ko lekar sahooliyat badhai jaa sakti hai dono directions mein. Ismein jo dono desh ke afsar hain is baare mein baatcheet karenge aur dekhnge ki isko aage kaise le jaaya ja sakta hai.
[Approximate English Translation - Ashok, your question is regarding the invitation given by him to the Prime Minister, no, it is in a way that in such visits, such invitations are formally exchanged. But we will have to see when it will be possible; It will happen next year only. Like I said, this will be discussed in diplomatic channels. And the decision will be taken on the date which is convenient. And regarding tourism and visa, you asked about changes etc., so as I said, there was a discussion about tourism. India is the biggest source of tourism for Sri Lanka and there was a discussion about the facilities that can be provided there to boost tourism. Like I have said earlier, after the introduction of UPI, the convenience for Indian tourists has increased there. So, it is expected that tourism from India will increase. There were also discussions on visa related issues as to how visa convenience can be provided in both directions. The officers of both the countries will discuss this and see how it can be taken forward.]
To Reza's question on the discussions related to the issue of interest of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, you are aware that this has been an issue on which we have long held discussions and exchanges with authorities in Sri Lanka. You would also have seen that President Disanayaka himself, during his election campaign and thereafter, has referred to his plans on this particular subject.
He did in fact draw attention during the discussions today, on several occasions, to the mandate that he has received. The weight, significance and importance of that mandate. I think you understand that he is essentially referring to the extent of that mandate.
Both the numerical weight of that mandate as well as the spatial distribution of that mandate. That he has received support from all corners of the country. Therefore, there is an expectation now from him to respond to those expectations.
Part of that response is obviously going to be to respond to these aspirations that the people in the northern and eastern parts of the country have. From where he has received support as well. I think we welcome the fact that he has referred to issues related to provincial councils, the elections for provincial councils, etc.
These are important markers in terms of a solution or an approach to the ethnic issue. That will eventually result in addressing these issues through justice, through peace, through equity, through dignity. We very much hope to see that go forward and we wish him success in this endeavour.
Sachin, if I got you correctly, on the fisherman issue. Aapne boats ke baare mein kuchh puchha. To mere vichar mein unka tatpary is cheez se tha ki jo Sri Lanka ka ek approach raha hai ki bottom trawling ka jo istemal kiya jaata hai use na kiya jaye kyonki woh ek hanikarak practice hai. Mere vichar mein wo kah rhe the ki ye jo samasya hai fishermen ki ise donon deshon ko milkar suljhana hoga. Abhi haal hi mein donon deshon ke beech jo chhatin (6th) baithak hui hai Joint Working Group on Fisheries ki usmein bhi in cheezon ko lekar baatcheet hui hai. Aur donon leaders ka aaj ye manana tha ki aaj yeh ek aam nagrik ki samsya hai aur ise usi taur par dekha jaye. Donon leaders ne yeh baat maani ki ve donon, unka jo apna background hai ek aisa background hai jo in cheezon ko acchi tarah se samjh sakta hai. Aur isi vajah se in samasyaon ka hal nikaalne mein yeh approach apanya jaa sakta hai ki ye humanitarian approach ho, ek livelihood based approach ho, toh donon desh milkar ispar aur aage discussion karke iska hal nikaal sakte hain.
[Approximate English Translation - Sachin, if I got you correctly, on the fisherman issue, you asked something about boats, right? Yes. So, in my opinion, what he meant was that...Sri Lanka's approach has been that bottom trawling should not be used because it is a harmful practice. So, in my opinion, he was saying that this problem of fishermen should be solved by both the countries together. Recently, the Joint Working Group on Fisheries has taken place between the two countries.
Both the leaders agreed that this is a problem of a common citizen and it should be looked at in the same way. Both the leaders agreed that their own background is such that they can understand these things and these problems well. And because of this, this approach can be taken to solve these problems, that it should be a humanitarian approach and a livelihood-based approach.
So, both the countries will discuss this further to find a solution]
Suhasini, on BRICS, I have already mentioned that what the stance is insofar as India is concerned. Insofar as RCEP is concerned, I must admit I haven't seen any report related to Sri Lanka intending to join RCEP.
But our stance on RCEP is well known. I don't have to repeat it here. Any trading block comes with its own features in multiple areas, not least in the area of rules of origin.
We already have a free trade area with Sri Lanka. And we will have to then see what the impact on that particular free trade area will be. So, at this point, I'll limit myself to saying that.
Insofar as this thing of the Sri Lankan President coming here and thereby demonstrating the value that he attaches to the relationship, I don't think you can draw an equivalence between the decisions that one country takes and another country takes in the region. Very often, visits such as these are dependent on a number of issues, mutual convenience, the particular context in which the visit can take place. I don't think we would want to go in that direction of making a comparative analysis of how much priority each country attaches to relationships with India, purely by the order in which they visit in the neighbourhood.
I think these are all three of these are very, very important relationships. They stand on their own, and we have very, very intense engagements with all of these three countries. Thank you.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the closure of this press engagement. Thank you very much for your presence.
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