His Excellency Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka called on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday (October 5, 2016).

Welcoming the Sri Lankan Prime Minister to India, the President said India appreciates Mr. Wickremesinghe’s role in Sri Lanka’s active re-engagement with the world. Sri Lanka can count on India’s continued support in its endeavour for national unity and reconciliation.

The President appreciated Government of Sri Lanka’s empathy and concern on the attack at Uri. He said it is essential that the two countries unite in isolating and targeting the source of ideological and financial sustenance in the region which provides shelter as well as training to terrorists. South Asia needs to develop a clear response to terrorist infrastructure in the region. There is need for unambiguous solidarity against terrorism of all forms.

The President said Government of India shares Government of Sri Lanka’s view on prioritising power, renewable energy, ocean resources, port and airport facilities as well as infrastructure. India has given special emphasis on meeting Sri Lanka’s developmental requirements. Its aid projects in Sri Lanka have a commitment of more than $2.6 billion.

The President said Sri Lanka occupies a special location in India’s neighbourhood. Security of the two countries is indivisible. Objectives for regional peace and security and maritime safety in the Indian Ocean are inter-dependent and synergistic.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister warmly reciprocated the President’s sentiments and said there has to be a genuine commitment to fighting terrorism in South Asia. There cannot be any cross border terrorism. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister briefed President Mukherjee on the various projects of economic cooperation underway and invited the President to pay a visit to Sri Lanka.

This release issued at 1340 hrs.