New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Sri Lanka's new President Maithripala Sirisena "will advance peace, reconciliation and development" in the island nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday.
Describing Sri Lanka as "a truly close neighbour and friend", Modi also offered India's continued support and partnership to Colombo and Sri Lankan people in "realizing their aspirations".
The prime minister made the observations when Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister Mangala Samaraweera called on him, an official statement said.
Samaraweera is on his first foreign trip after Sirisena took power Jan 9.
Modi admired Sirisena's vision of a "truly Sri Lankan government", inclusive of all voices, and the initial steps taken by the new government for political reconciliation and inclusiveness.
Modi also congratulated Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wikramasinghe for their impressive victory in the presidential election which, according to him, was "a vote for unity and change in Sri Lanka".
Thanking Sirisena for accepting his invitation to visit India, Modi said he "looked forward to receiving him at an early date".
Modi also accepted an invite to Sri Lanka at a convenient date.
Samaraweera, who met his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj Sunday, discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.
Indian development partnership projects in Sri Lanka and issues related to the alleged trespassing of Indian fishermen into Sri Lankan waters were also discussed Sunday.
Kolkata, March 25 (IANS) As he will walk out into the middle at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
A letter written by Sukesh Chandrashekhar, a thug lodged in Delhi's Tihar Jail to Chief Minister
Tonnes of garbage pile up in Ghaziabad as workers strike
Ghaziabad, March 17 (IANS) Over 1,700 tonnes of garbage piled up across Ghaziabad on Tuesday as
BJP's CM candidate in Kerala will be 'Metro Man' Sreedharan, party was held last week
Kerala Assembly Election: E Sreedharan, popularly known as Metro Man, will be the Chief Ministeri
Tribals in Bengal to use Facebook for Development
Kolkata, March 21 (IANS) Taking their friendship from the virtual to the real world, more than
Traffic curbs in Delhi during Obama visit
New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) Traffic restrictions have been imposed in Delhi ahead of US President
Once again strong tremors of earthquake were felt in Turkey. Its intensity was measured at 6.3 on
New Delhi. Coronavirus infection has reached between the second and third stages. The Union Healt
Hindu side lawyer Harishankar Jain appeared before the media on Wednesday in the Gyanvapi case. H
Windies positive before India game: Holder
Sydney, Feb 28 (IANS) Captain Jason Holder said the West Indies are confident of still making t
