Implementation of 13th amendment, must for reconciliation: India's PM Narendra Modi

COLOMBO (News 1st): Prime Minister Modi had emphasized that the implementation of the 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution is essential for carrying forward the process of peace and reconciliation, India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Saturday (Sept. 26). Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held the first-ever India - Sri Lanka Virtual Bi-lateral Summit today (Sept. 26). This was incidentally, India’s first such summit with a neighbor. The two Prime Ministers agreed to continue and further strengthen the mutual cooperation on personnel exchange and training, maritime security cooperation, and India’s support to Sri Lanka in the spheres of defence and security, the release further noted. During the Summit that lasted about one hour, the two leaders reviewed the entire range of bilateral matters and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. The ongoing infrastructure and connectivity projects were discussed and Prime Minister Modi expressed his confidence that the Sri Lankan Government will take early and decisive steps for their early implementation in accordance with existing understandings and in the mutual interest of both sides. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders had also agreed to continue and strengthen the ongoing constructive and humanitarian approach to address fishermen related issue through existing bilateral mechanisms and instructed relevant officials on both sides to this effect. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was assisted by Minister of Foreign Affairs - Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Justice - President's Counsel Ali Sabry, Minister of Fisheries - Douglas Devananda, Minister of Mass Media - Keheliya Rambukwella, and other Ministers, State Ministers and senior officials. "We have already extended a currency swap facility of 400 million USD to Sri Lanka, there are additional requests for a new currency swap facility. There is also a request for deferment of debt repayment which is due to India. Both these requests are being discussed at the official level," Shri Amit Narang, the Joint Secretary of India's Ministry of External Affairs said while addressing a virtual media briefing held following the virtual summit.