“India progressing towards economic prosperity: Sri Lanka commends ‘excellent’ relations with New Delhi”
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry emphasized the strengthening economic ties with India across various sectors and assured that Sri Lanka would not allow any threats to India’s security. He also expressed a desire for Sri Lanka to join the BRICS group with India’s support.
Sabry praised the “excellent” relationship between Sri Lanka and India, highlighting India’s economic progress as beneficial for the entire region, including Sri Lanka. He reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment as a responsible neighbor to safeguard India’s security interests.
In an interview with ANI, Sabry discussed significant investments in ports, renewable energy, and infrastructure projects in India, reflecting the deepening economic collaboration. He noted the influence of Indian civilization on all Sri Lankan communities—Buddhists, Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims—and mentioned initiatives like the Ramayan trail to boost tourism and people-to-people connections.
Sabry highlighted future connectivity projects, including increased flight connections and ferry services. He specifically mentioned the high-speed ferry service between Nagappatinam in India and Kankesanthurai near Jaffna, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India.
Addressing India’s security concerns, particularly regarding Chinese research vessels, Sabry affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to transparency and cooperation without compromising India’s security. He assured that Sri Lanka would not engage in actions harmful to India’s legitimate security concerns.
On Sri Lanka’s BRICS aspirations, Sabry expressed interest in joining the group, recognizing its significance after India’s inclusion. He stated that Sri Lanka would first seek India’s support for its BRICS membership and noted his invitation to the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Russia.
Sabry also mentioned the recent addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to BRICS, reflecting the group’s growing influence. He anticipated a visit from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India last year.
