Indian Vice President meets Sri Lankan leaders to deepen bilateral ties

Colombo, April 19 (Daily Mirror) - India’s Vice President, C. P. Radhakrishnan, met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today, with both sides holding discussions aimed at further strengthening India–Sri Lanka relations. 

The two leaders held what officials described as productive talks focused on deepening the multifaceted partnership between the two neighbouring countries, anchored in a shared history, civilisational links, and longstanding people-to-people connections.

During the meeting, discussions also covered several ongoing development initiatives supported by India, including the Indian Housing Project and projects being implemented under a USD 450 million assistance package for Sri Lanka. These initiatives are focused on reconstruction and rehabilitation in areas affected by Cyclone Ditwah, with particular attention given to Indian Origin Tamil communities living in severely impacted regions.

The two sides also discussed the long-standing fishermen issue, stressing the importance of addressing concerns in a humanitarian manner while safeguarding the livelihoods of fishing communities in both India and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Vice President Radhakrishnan also met Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya during his ongoing two-day visit to Sri Lanka. The leaders recalled the shared civilisational heritage between the two countries and explored ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation, including stronger people-to-people engagement.