Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe held extensive talks on fishermen issues, ways to deepen trade and defence engagements and securing the maritime neighbourhood. Both the leaders, after their delegation level talks, spoke at a joint media briefing at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, where Modi called 2015 a “historic year” for India-Sri Lanka relations. He thanked the Sri Lankan Prime Minister for choosing India for his first trip overseas, saying he hoped the country would achieve “genuine reconciliation” so that all Tamils in Lanka can live a “life full of equality, justice, peace and dignity.”
“Sri Lanka has voted twice this year for change, reforms, reconciliation and progress. There can be no stronger statement of Sri Lanka’s democratic tradition. There can be no clearer sign of Sri Lanka’s march towards a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future. As a close neighbour and friend, we wish Sri Lanka every success; rejoice in your progress; and, assure you of India’s unwavering support. So, we are pleased that the Government of Sri Lanka has taken a number of significant steps in recent times. The leadership has shown remarkable political unity, at a time of great hope,” he stressed.
Speaking on the fishermen issue, Modi revealed that he discussed the matter with Wickremesinghe and they both agreed that fishermen’s associations on both sides should continue their efforts to find a solution. “I conveyed to him that this should be seen as a humanitarian issue that affects livelihoods. I informed him of the steps we are taking to encourage Indian fishermen to take up deep sea fishing,” he said.
Wickremesinghe said peace and stability in the region was key to the success of both countries. “Whenever there is stability in the Indian Ocean, India and Sri Lanka prosper,” he said. “The new parliament in Sri Lanka is unique and historic. We have a government formed by the two leading parties in Sri Lanka who have so far contested for power at least from 1956 onwards. We are together for two years to see how we can work out a policy framework, an agreement on unity and reconciliation,” he explained. He also thanked Modi for the help given by the Indian government in resettling and reconstruction in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
The Lankan Prime Minister began his three day visit of India on the formal invitation of Prime Minister Modi. Wickremesinghe is also expected to hold talks with President Pranab Mukherjee and also seek support of India at the UN Human Rights Council for a proposed domestic mechanism on an independent investigation to Sri Lankan war crimes.
