Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval
has stated that there is immense potential for India and Sri Lanka to further strengthen economic cooperation, which would be mutually beneficial considering the complementarity in bilateral ties.
He made these remarks during his meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo yesterday (29), said the Prime Minister’s Media Division.
Mr. Doval expressed India’s desire to expand cooperation with Sri Lanka further and sought the Prime Minister’s views on priority areas.
The Prime Minister has identified the energy sector as a key area for collaboration and thanked India for supporting both large-scale and small-scale alternative energy projects. He mentioned that the government has taken steps to amend the Ceylon Electricity Board regulations to facilitate private sector participation in electricity generation and distribution, which could lead to increased Indian investments in solar and wind power projects.
Mr. Doval suggested that, in the long run, Sri Lanka could generate more power than its domestic requirements and sell the excess power to India, reaping substantial financial benefits. He highlighted that Bhutan sells a large amount of hydroelectric power to India, which constitutes the largest source of revenue for that country.
The Prime Minister explained that Sri Lanka’s Theravada economic policy is rooted in economic practices from India 25 centuries ago during the time of Gautama Buddha, and these practices could complement modern economic growth.
He also thanked India for providing training for members of the armed forces and public servants to enhance their skills and efficiency, said the PM’s Media Division.
Additionally, the National Security Advisor led a high-level delegation that included High Commissioner Santosh Jha, Additional Secretary Puneet Agrawal, and senior officials Akshay Joshi, Gaurav Aluwhalia, and Teja Chandan.
Secretary to the Prime Minister, Anura Dissanayake, Additional Secretary Harsha Wijewardene, and Advisor Sugeeswara Senadhira also participated in the discussion.