China A "Close Friend" But India Is "Our Brother": Sri Lankan Diplomat
NDTV
Milinda Moragoda described the relationship between the two countries as "special" and said India's security interests are "our own security interests".
Sri Lanka High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda on Monday referred to remarks of Mahinda Rajapaksa about the island nation's relations with India and said that the former President of the country used to say that "China is a close friend but India is our brother and sister".
Mr Moragoda described the relationship between the two countries as "special" and said India's security interests are "our own security interests".
"Rajapaksa used to always say China is a very, very close friend but India is our brother and sister.... Within a family you can have quarrels but finally it is your family," he said during an interaction at the Indian Women's Press Corps.
"From Ramayan to Buddhism today, Sri Lanka and India have a long historical relationship. Sita and Sanghamitta have formed a bridge between the two countries. Our relationship is very special. There will be ups and downs. The relationship is definitely asymmetrical but special," he added.
