"Will work closely to strengthen cultural ties": FM Sitharaman meets Sri Lankan President Dissanayake

New Delhi [India], December 16 : Union Finance Minister Niramala Sitharaman on Monday welcomed newly elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, congratulating him on his victory in the elections and said she was committed to working closely with his government to strengthen India-Sri Lanka's cultural and economic ties.
The Sri Lankan president expressed his gratitude for the support provided by India during the nation's economic crisis.
"Both the leaders emphasised the potential for investment opportunities and the importance of deepening economic integration through an enhanced economic partnership between the two countries," the Finance Ministry posted on X.
The Sri Lankan President is on his first state visit to India. During his visit, Dissanayake discussed economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries in the agriculture sector and tourism, among others.
"The leaders discussed economic cooperation between countries especially in sectors such as agriculture, dairy development, tourism, energy and DigitalEconomy with significant opportunities for collaboration in digital public infrastructure," the Ministry of Finance said.
Dissanayake said that they discussed strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities, and fostering regional security.
In a post on X, Dissanayake said, "During my official visit to India, I had the privilege of engaging in productive discussions with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval. Our conversations focused on strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities, fostering regional security, and advancing key sectors such as tourism and energy. These engagements reaffirm the commitment to deepening the partnership between our two nations."
Earlier on Sunday, Dissanayake also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Jaishankar, during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday, highlighted the island nation's prominent role in India's Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook.
He further affirmed confidence that President Dissanayake's talks with Prime Minister Modi today will lead to greater cooperation between New Delhi and Colombo.