Modi announces $50 million aid for Sri Lanka to deal with terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance of USD 50 million to Sri Lanka to deal with the challenge of terrorism after holding talks with Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the newly-elected president of the island nation.

Rajapaksa, who is in India on a three-day visit, said he would strive to take his country’s bilateral relationship with India to a “very high level”. This is the president’s first foreign visit after he assumed charge following General Elections in the country this month.

In a media statement, Modi said India’s line of credit of USD 400 million will further boost Sri Lanka’s development.

Modi and Rajapaksa are holding talks covering the entire expanse of bilateral ties.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Rajapaksa during which a range of bilateral and regional issues were discussed.

A plethora of issues, including fulfilling the aspirations of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, situation in the Indian Ocean region and steps to boost trade and investment ties, are expected to figure in the talks between Modi and Rajapaksa.

Last week, India said it was looking forward to work closely with the new Sri Lankan government and hoped that it would be able to fulfil the aspirations of the Tamil community in that country.

(With inputs from agencies)