Foreign Secretary Shringla pushes Indian projects, enhanced connectivity in Sri Lanka

Harsh Vardhan Shringla also sought the enhancement of connectivity by air and sea between India and Sri Lanka

India on Monday underscored the need for early conclusion of bilateral projects in Sri Lanka, and the enhancement of connectivity by air and sea between the neighbouring countries, which are seeking to reset ties amid a strain in ties.

Visiting Sri Lanka on a four-day visit beginning October 2, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Monday held talks with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris and Foreign Secretary (Retd.) Admiral Jayanath Colombage (retd.), discussing key bilateral issues, while focusing on recovery from the pandemic through enhanced cooperation in tourism and development partnership, according to tweets from the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

In his remarks at the Temple Trees, the official residence of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Mr. Shringla said, “With the easing of the situation in Sri Lanka, it may be opportune for us to work on connectivity initiatives like the Jaffna to Chennai flight, ferry services between Karaikal and Kankesanthurai, and Dhanushkodi and Talaimanar and the Buddhist corridor with the new international airport at Kushinagar,” referring to halted, or delayed projects awaiting a push for revival or completion.