Fresh opportunity for India, Sri Lanka to enhance bilateral engagement, says Indian High Commission
The High Commission said in a statement that the strong mandate received by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa provides a fresh opportunity for New Delhi and Colombo to enhance bilateral engagement including mitigating the adverse economic effects of the Covid-19.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay on Saturday called on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to congratulate him on the emphatic victory of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in the parliamentary election.
Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, right, shakes hands with Mahinda Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka's prime minister, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. (Bloomberg file phoot)
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
The High Commission said in a statement that the strong mandate received by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa provides a fresh opportunity for New Delhi and Colombo to enhance bilateral engagement including mitigating the adverse economic effects of the Covid-19.
{{^usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
The SLLP has secured a landslide victory in the country’s parliamentary election winning 145 seats in the 225-member legislature. It can also count on the support of at least five allies.
During the meeting with Rajapaksa, Baglay recalled the phone conversation between the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sri Lankan leader earlier this week.
“The High Commissioner recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had complimented the people and Government of Sri Lanka on the successful conduct of elections and had acknowledged the impressive electoral performance of the SLPP,” the statement said.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
Baglay reiterated the strong desire and the commitment of the Indian government to work very closely with the new government and Parliament in Sri Lanka for further strengthening comprehensive bilateral cooperation.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
Baglay reiterated the strong desire and the commitment of the Indian government to work very closely with the new government and Parliament in Sri Lanka for further strengthening comprehensive bilateral cooperation.
{{/usCountry}}
PM Modi had spoken to Rajapaksa on Tuesday and congratulated him as early results of parliamentary polls indicated an impressive electoral performance by SLPP.
The leaders agreed to remain in close touch as both countries address the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic and resolved to take bilateral relations to newer heights in the coming days.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
Get Latest News, breaking headlines, and top India News, and today real-time updates from across the nation. Stay informed on politics, government policies, crime, Today Weather, and major developments on Hindustan Times
