NSA Doval calls on Lankan Prez, offers $50m aid

Colombo, January 19

India has pledged a $50 million security assistance to Sri Lanka as National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and discussed a range of bilateral issues, including strengthening cooperation in defence, intelligence sharing and maritime security.

Doval arrived in Colombo on Saturday. He met several diplomats and discussed with them important issues of mutual interest.

“A very cordial discussion was held with National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval today. Strengthening of bilateral cooperation on national security, intelligence sharing, maritime security & fostering of regional collaboration, were some of the key points of discussion,” President Rajapaksa tweeted on Saturday.

The President’s office said Doval pledged that India will provide $50 million to Sri Lanka to help the country purchase equipment for its security forces. — PTI