SL envoy–designate to India proposes electrical grid connectivity between two countries

3 August 2021 06:59 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan High Commissioner-designate to India Milinda Moragoda, in his blueprint for fostering bilateral ties with India, has proposed electrical grid connectivity between the two countries, highlighting that it would be mutually beneficial.

In his 27-page Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) for Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India for 2021/2023, he outlines the importance of connectivity between the two countries. The report, handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, says grid connectivity would enable Sri Lanka to obtain electricity during operational maintenance and droughts, and also to export excess generation to India. The report also says it will also allow greater space for renewables.

Digital connectivity between Sri Lanka and India is another proposal in the roadmap. The blueprint says Sri Lanka has reportedly underutilised potential for E-Commerce platforms, E-payment gateways, and more PPP activity in this area can spur a surge of business beneficial to both countries, especially in the post-Covid scenario.

The report highlights that India and Sri Lanka have sought to collaborate on a series of major economic development projects in Sri Lanka, including the West Container Terminal of the Colombo Port, the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm, projects of cooperation in the power sector, Indian projects that fall under development cooperation and lines of credit, as well as financial cooperation.

Asserting that these economic development projects are important to foster relations, the Sri Lankan envoy says there is also a need to transcend this transactional approach.

“Given this backdrop, the overarching goal of the Diplomatic Representations of Sri Lanka in India should be to contribute to the process of continuously maintaining the momentum of the existing partnership, by creating multi-faceted platforms for strategic level dialogue and cooperation, with the ultimate objective being the elevation of the partnership to a special relationship; one marked by interdependence, mutual respect and affection,” he says in his report.

The elevation of bilateral relationship to special partnership, the expansion of Sri Lanka’s footprint in India and regular top-level visits and exchanges are among the others envisaged in the report.(Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 8

Ama Tuesday, 03 August 2021 10:07 AM

Will China wait

Dr Trevor Mendis Tuesday, 03 August 2021 10:11 AM

Do not agree. Very bad move. Strategically energy for a country is so essential and we should have our own Energy sources based on a well thought Policy without depending on another country. This will enhance the bargaining power in favour of India. Nepal is facing a similar negative situation with India.

Lumbini Tuesday, 03 August 2021 10:24 AM

I don't know whether we can export electricity to India, however, Improving economic ties with India is a good idea.

RoaringCreek Tuesday, 03 August 2021 10:57 AM

This was talked about in the 70s when I was a student in the university. It may be a good idea as Sri Lanka's electricity generating cost are high.

ravin Tuesday, 03 August 2021 11:14 AM

Which country is self sufficient in electricity? looking for additional supply sources is a good idea but ..... ???

Vidora Tuesday, 03 August 2021 05:06 PM

Very bad dangerous move … India takes it all like they have taken all the water resources from Nepal who now have to suffer continuous power shortages. Yes I t will be beneficial for India but Sri Lanka will suffer !!!

Fatima Lai Tuesday, 03 August 2021 05:53 PM

Remember that we relied on India for the COVID vaccine to find out it was insufficient for their consumption, let alone sending us?

Ahmed Tuesday, 03 August 2021 06:30 PM

not a good move at all. sri lanka should upgrade its own energy source

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SL envoy–designate to India proposes electrical grid connectivity between two countries

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