National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo on Friday. The meeting focused on enhancing economic collaboration between the two neighbouring countries. Sri Lankan National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka also joined the discussions, which highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster bilateral economic ties.
Earlier in the day, NSA Doval held talks with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. The discussions centred on exploring the "immense potential" for deepening economic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Gunawardena expressed gratitude to India for its support in both large-scale and small-scale alternative energy projects. He noted that Sri Lanka has taken steps to amend Ceylon Electricity Board regulations to encourage private sector involvement in electricity generation and distribution, suggesting that Indian investments could play a significant role in solar and wind energy projects.
Doval proposed that Sri Lanka could potentially generate more power than its domestic needs and export the surplus to India, drawing a parallel with Bhutan's success in selling hydroelectric power to India. He emphasised that such an arrangement could provide substantial financial benefits for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister also praised India's contribution to training Sri Lankan Armed Forces and public servants, which has enhanced their skills and efficiency. He highlighted that Sri Lanka's economic policies are inspired by practices from India during the era of Gautama Buddha, which he believes could complement the country's growth strategy.
The Indian delegation included High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Additional Secretary Puneet Agrawal, and other senior officials. NSA Doval's visit to Sri Lanka is part of his attendance at the Colombo Security Conclave, a maritime security grouping that includes India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
The Conclave, which was expanded to include Mauritius and observer countries like Bangladesh and Seychelles, focuses on regional cooperation and shared security objectives in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Colombo Security Conclave aims to address maritime safety, marine pollution response, and search and rescue operations. The Indian Defence Ministry emphasised that regional cooperation is crucial for maritime safety and security, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of "Security and Growth for All in the Region" and the "Neighbourhood First" policy. This cooperative framework is essential for addressing oceanic challenges and ensuring the protection of the marine environment.
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