Colombo: The Secretary of Foreign Affairs Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday asked President Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa and discussed ways to advance a comprehensive bilateral partnership at all levels and reaffirming the bonds of friendship and strong cooperation between the two countries.
Shringla was visiting four days to Sri Lanka, which began on Saturday, to review bilateral relations between India and the island state.
“Minister of Foreign Affairs @Harshvshringla called for President He Gotabaya Rajapaksa @gotabayar today,” said the Indian High Commission (HCI) in a tweet.
“They reaffirmed the bonds of friendship and strong cooperation between India and Sri Lanka and discussed ways to advance this comprehensive partnership at all levels,” he said.
The meeting occurred a day after the President returned from the US.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was in New York to attend the Annual UN General Assembly.
Foreign secretaries also interact with the Indian High Commission officers in the mission.
“The HCI team is truly grateful for the words of encouragement and support,” IHC said in another tweet.
On Monday, Shringla has a “productive discussion” with Prime Minister Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa further consolidating multifaceted bilateral partnerships.
He also held a meeting of delegation rates with Admiral Motifires (RETD) Prof.
Jayanath Colombage where they reviewed bilateral cooperation.
He also asked the Foreign Minister GL Peiris and discussed bilateral bonds in all fields.
During the meeting with Tamil leaders on Monday, Shringla reaffirmed India’s commitment to protect the rights of the Tamil Minority Sri Lankan community through the full implementation of the 13th Amendment, held the election of the early provincial council and reached reconciliation.
India has consistently called for Sri Lanka to fulfill its commitment to protect the interests of the Tamil community and preserve the character of the island as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
The 13th amendment gave devolution of power to the Tamil community.
India has pressed Sri Lanka to implement the 13th amendment brought after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement in 1987.