Rajnath Singh meets Sri Lanka president discuss security, peace and regional prosperity

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (centre: in grey jacket) during a meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (in white) in Colombo on Wednesday. PIC/PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday met Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and held discussions on issues covering the multi-faceted partnership between the two countries, including ways to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region. Singh arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

"The two sides reaffirmed that as civilisational twins, close neighbours and maritime partners, India and Sri Lanka would continue to work together for their development and welfare of the people while working jointly to ensure the safety, security, peace and prosperity of the region," the Ministry of Defence said.

Speaking on the India-Sri Lanka Maritime Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region-Civilisational Partners with intertwined destinies, Singh also said that Indian and Sri Lankan ports can become engines of shared economic growth, while their maritime industries can become the drivers for the future prosperity of the region.

The Sri Lankan president also expressed his gratitude for the relief assistance provided by India as part of Operation Sagar Bandhu during Cyclone Ditwah and the comprehensive rehabilitation package extended by New Delhi to facilitate reconstruction and rehabilitation work.

Both leaders virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges constructed by the Indian defence forces. The two sides also exchanged MoUs on upgradation of L70 Guns for the Sri Lankan Air Force and cooperation between the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Defence Colleges (NDC) of both countries.

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