Visiting Indian Minister of External Affairs, Subramaniam Jaishankar, met with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya at the Temple Trees in Colombo today (23 Dec).
Minister S. Jaishankar is currently in Sri Lanka as the Special Envoy of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The meeting with PM Harini Amarasuriya took place as part of his official visit aimed at holding discussions with Sri Lanka’s top leadership, at a time when the nation commenced reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
During the discussions, Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s readiness to extend support for Sri Lanka, including assistance in rebuilding railways, bridges, and strengthening the agricultural sector in the country. He also highlighted the importance of having effective systems in place to respond to disaster situations, supported by strong legislative, administrative, and institutional frameworks.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, both sides also reviewed ongoing relief efforts and explored avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster response and recovery.
PM Harini Amarasuriya commended the Government of India for the continued support, noting that the recovery process following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah includes beyond immediate relief efforts to long-term measures such as resettlement, and reconstruction of habitation and infrastructure.
PM Amarasuriya further stated that steps have been taken to reopen schools as part of the process of restoring normalcy, with close monitoring in place.
She emphasized the need to ensure stability, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen protection mechanisms highlighting the solidarity of the people, their strong spirit of volunteerism, and collective action demonstrated during the emergency situation.
The event was attended by the High Commissioner of India Santosh Jha, Additional Secretary (IOR), MEA Puneet Agrawal, Joint Secretary (EAMO), MEA Sandeep Kumar Bayyapu, Deputy High Commissioner Satyanjal Pandey, and representing Sri Lankan delegation, Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary to the Prime minister Sagarika Bogahawatta, Director General (South Asia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Samantha Pathirana, Deputy Director, South Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diana Perera. (Newswire)