The Sri Lankan Minister for Water Resources and Estate Infrastructure, Jeevan Thondaman, in his briefing after his one-week trip to India, said “the relationship between India and Sri Lanka is very strong and close, and it has clearly been revealed during the economic crisis who is a real friend of Sri Lanka”. He put the main emphasis on the fact that a permanent solution to the fishermen’s issue which is very crucial for India-Sri Lankan cultural and economic ties.
Thondaman said, “I finished my one-week trip to India. We met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi last week, along with President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka. Many topics were covered during our discussion with PM Modi, and we signed a MOS in the renewable sector”.
Talking about the ties with India, he highlighted that “strong and deep ties exist between India and Sri Lanka. It’s possible that some of them were mixing politics and painting a negative picture of India in the eyes of Sri Lankans. But in the midst of the current economic crisis, it has become clear, and everyone is now aware of who is Sri Lanka’s true friend”.
Then they handed Prime Minister Modi the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka. Also the conference included some discussions regarding refugees in the refugee camps.
Thondaman also met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday and discussed issues regarding a permanent solution to fishermen’s issues.
He further added, “Only Tamils are on either side, and both sides are battling for their very survival. First, as trawlers are unlawful under the Maritime Prevention Act, we are unable to accept them. Similar to that, a couple of boats also entered the Sri Lankan border, and we were able to confiscate them. There is a cabinet meeting in Sri Lanka today regarding this. A permanent solution is required for the cultural and economic ties between India and Sri Lanka.
At the present time, refugees are also coming to Tamil Nadu due to the economic crisis, but Sri Lanka is trying its best and working on developing its economy.
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