Expect closer ties, execution of connectivity projects: Ex-Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe

ANI April 4, 2025 262 views

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed optimism about strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit. He emphasized the importance of completing the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) and exploring collaborative opportunities in sectors like energy, IT, and dairy. Wickremesinghe acknowledged India's support during Sri Lanka's financial crisis and stressed the need for closer economic ties. The visit is seen as a strategic opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation and develop robust supply chains between the two nations.

"I expect to have much closer relations" - Ranil Wickremesinghe, ANI
By Sahil Pandey, Colombo, April 4: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka on Friday, former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed hope for stronger bilateral relations and the implementation of connectivity projects.

Key Points

1

Modi's state visit aims to enhance bilateral economic cooperation

2

ECTA agreement crucial for future trade relations

3

Energy, IT, and dairy sectors highlighted for collaboration

"I expect to have much closer relations, and that we've been talking of many connectivity projects, other projects that we can now start actually agreeing and implementing it. We have to operationalise the agreement. I hope that will be the case when Prime Minister Modi is here," Wickremesinghe told ANI.

Discussing the current relationship between India and Sri Lanka, Wickremesinghe acknowledged India's support and described the ties as close and positive.

"Present ties are good and It been close. We acknowledge the help that was given to us during the financial crisis, but it has to be closer," he added.

Regarding trade relations, Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of completing the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ECTA) within this year.

"ECTA should be complete. My idea was that to be completed in 2025, we have to go ahead. Now, you see that we were relying on the US and others, but you can see how the US trade policies are now; the US as a market will not be that open. We don't know what will happen with the EU because we are solely dependent on it for our apparel markets. So first is that we have to complete this agreement and sign it this year. Then, thereafter, we should. We've already signed an agreement with Singapore and with Thailand," he said.

"We have to operationalize them and then enter into other agreements, especially with the RCEP. We have to have a new trading policy. While we don't abandon what we have, we go into the new area. But that also requires new products. Apparel loan may not be enough," he explained.

Wickremesinghe also highlighted energy trading, IT, and the dairy industry as potential sectors for collaboration between India and Sri Lanka.

"One area is that of energy trading, which should help Sri Lanka. Then, there are goods that can be manufactured. Additionally, we're identifying goods that can be manufactured locally, with a focus on establishing robust supply chains. We're making progress in manufacturing certain components, and I'm excited to see this initiative move forward. IT has also been a significant area of focus, and now we're turning our attention to the dairy industry," he noted.

PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka on a State Visit from April 4 - 6, at the invitation of the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Disanayaka.

Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is such positive news! Stronger ties between India and Sri Lanka will benefit both nations. The connectivity projects could be game-changers for trade and tourism. 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate the optimism, I hope these agreements actually translate to benefits for common people in both countries. Past projects have sometimes favored big businesses over local communities.
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Sanjay P.
The focus on IT collaboration is particularly exciting. With India's tech expertise and Sri Lanka's talent pool, this could create great opportunities for young professionals in both countries.
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Mala W.
As a Sri Lankan, I'm cautiously optimistic. India's help during our crisis was invaluable, but we must ensure these new agreements respect our sovereignty and benefit our economy long-term.
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Amit D.
The dairy industry collaboration is interesting! Maybe we'll finally get some of that amazing Sri Lankan milk tea ingredients more easily available in India 😋
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Nimal F.
I hope the energy trading includes renewable projects. Both our countries have great potential for solar and wind power cooperation. Green energy is the future!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Narendra Modi Ranil Wickremesinghe India-Sri Lanka Relations Economic Cooperation State Visit ECTA
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