President Sirisena meets Indian President in Rashtrapati Bhavan

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Indian President appreciates President Maithripala Sirisena stating that he has delivered long-term benefits to Sri Lanka while establishing peace and reconciliation. The remarks were made by the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind yesterday at a meeting held with President Sirisena in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Indian President further noted that the economic, cultural and trade relations between two countries have reached new heights after Maithripala Sirisena came to the executive powers in Sri Lanka. He further appreciated the efforts of President Sirisena for his initiatives taken to protect the environment and plans of guiding the nation's energy resource towards the solar power. The President Sirisena expressed gratitude to India for providing their assistance during the 30-year war and the post-war development activities in the North and East as well as in the fields of housing, health, education, irrigation and cultural affairs. President Sirisena explained that projects have been implemented in the island to strengthen the peace and harmony and to develop the economy. Pointing out at the recent unrest situation of the country, he stated that it has been identified certain extremists are trying to destroy harmony in Sri Lanka. “the situation is completely controlled and the peace has already been established" he expressed. The Indian President accepted the invitation extended by President Sirisena to visit Sri Lanka and said that he expects to undertake the visit in near future. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Secretary of the Indian President Bharat Lal, Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh were also present at the meeting. Meanwhile, President Sirisena is set to depart for Japan on an official visit upon an invitation extended by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. According to the President Media Division, President Sirisena will conclude his tour of Japan on the 17th of this month.