Full implementation of 13A, early Provincial Council elections are critical - Jaishankar

COLOMBO (News 1st) - India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the full implementation of the 13th Amendment and early conduct of provincial elections are critical for political devolution.

He was speaking in Colombo on Friday (20) alongside Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, and with President Ranil Wickremesinghe present at the President's Office.

"He President briefed me on the political devolution and his thinking. I shared with him our considered view that the full implementation of the 13th Amendment and early conduct of provincial elections are critical in this regard. Durable efforts towards reconciliation are in the interests of all sections in Sri Lanka," he said.

He also handed over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to President Wickremesinghe to visit India at an early date to discuss how Sri Lanka - India partnership can facilitate Sri Lanka's strong recovery. 

India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the primary purpose of coming to Colombo was to express India's solidarity with Sri Lanka during these difficult moments. 

"As you know, last year India extended US $ 4 Billion in terms of credits and rollovers to help Sri Lanka get through an economic crisis. For us, it was an issue of the neighbourhood first and not leaving a partner to fend for themselves. This year in a development situation that was beginning to cause concern, the same sentiment reasserted itself," he added.

The Indian External Affairs Minister noted that Sri Lanka's creditors must take proactive steps to facilitate its recovery. "India decided not to wait on others, but to do what we believe is right. We extended financing assurances to the IMF to clear the way for Sri Lanka to move forward. Our expectation is that this will not only strengthen Sri Lanka's position but ensure that all bilateral creditors are dealt with equally."

India will encourage investments in the Sri Lankan economy, especially in core areas like energy, tourism, and infrastructure, said Dr. Jaishankar noting "We count on the government of Sri Lanka to create a more business-friendly environment to create a powerful pull factor. I am confident that the gravity of the situation is realized by the policy makers"

He said that energy security is one of Sri Lanka's most serious challenges.

"This country has enormous renewable energy potential that can become a sustainable source of revenue. It has the capability as well for Trincomalee to emerge as an energy hub. In its support for Sri Lanka, India is prepared to be a reliable partner in such initiatives. We have agreed in principle on a renewable energy framework that will take this cooperation forward," he added.

In a turbulent world it is essential that India and Sri Lanka steady their trade, the use of rupee settlement for trade is in our mutual interest, he added.