Modi, Wickremesinghe discuss India-assisted projects, China

Smita Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 20

India and Sri Lanka on Saturday took stock of bilateral relations with delegation-level talks between PM Modi and his counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe in Delhi. 

The status of India-assisted housing projects in Jaffna and maritime security were discussed in talks in Hyderabad House, said sources.

According to the Sri Lankan PM’s office, Modi expressed “his deep disappointment and discontent over delays in commencement of India-assisted development projects” spelled out in MoUs signed back in 2017.

This meeting comes just three days after Sri Lankan President Sirisena spoke to Modi to reassure him of bilateral ties following media reports that he alleged involvement of India’s external intelligence agency RAW in a plot to assassinate him and a former defence secretary. Colombo issued official categorical denials later. 

In what seems to be a reflective of the growing divide between Sirisena and Wickremsinghe in the island nation, PM Modi added —according to the Sri Lankan statement — that “he was not satisfied with the response he had received from Colombo Government to his diplomatic overtures”. 

Modi reportedly told Wickremesinghe that “If Sri Lankan Governments had issues with India, or any doubts about the country, these should be aired freely and discussed” and the Sri Lankan PM “may come forward to discuss them”.

“While reiterating that neither the Prime Minister nor the people of Sri Lanka have any doubts on the Indian Government, PM Wickremesinghe extended his apologies on any acts or omissions that may have given rise to such an understanding,” said the formal statement released in Sinhala.

In remarks alluding to the Chinese stronghold on Sri Lanka, Modi also spoke to his counterpart about “foreign interventions”.

“Sri Lanka will never let any activity function on its land which could be a threat to India,” responded Wickremesinghe.